A driver from the ride-sharing app Uber faces murder charges over shooting rampage in Kalamazoo, Michigan area in February. The driver claimed the ride-sharing app controlled his mind and body resulting to his murderous actions.
Jason Dalton, 45 year old, a Kalamazoo Uber driver arrested for a fatal shooting rampage on February 20, killing six people and wounding two people at the scene, Detroit Free Press reported. According to his statement on police interview, Dalton believes the ride-sharing Uber app on his iPhone gave him directions on where and when to kill people.
The Uber driver is accused of carrying out shooting rampage on three locations across the Kalamazoo area. Police reported, Dalton committed the shootings in between picking passengers around for Uber. He was arrested by Kalamazoo County sheriff's deputy next day.
According to Forbes, Dalton told the authorities, the problems started, when he logged in to the app ride service and saw a symbol, which he believed a devil's head appeared on the screen. "Dalton described the devil figure as a horned cow head or something like that and then it would give you an assignment and it would literally take over your whole body," police reported. He also added he felt like he was a puppet. A judge has ordered a mental examination for Dalton to determine his mental state.
Dalton's wife, Carole Dalton told the authorities he was warned by his husband that she wouldn't be able to work and their children will not be able to go to school, CBS4 News reported. She said, the shooting incident reports on TV news, clearly explains everything his husband said.
An Uber spokesperson on Monday declined to comment regarding Dalton's claims to police. However, they confirmed Dalton was an employee of their ride-sharing service. According to Uber, Dalton had been driving for the company since passing his background check on January 25th and had completed more than 100 rides. He had also received good feedback from passengers.
Dalton is charged with six counts of open murder and two counts of assault with intent to murder. He is also charged with eight counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
