Police: Woman who shot Uber driver thought she was being kidnapped

Posted at 12:18 PM, June 22, 2023 and last updated 12:21 PM, June 22, 2023

EL PASO, Texas (Court TV/Scripps News Waco) — A Kentucky woman is facing additional charges after shooting an Uber driver in El Paso, according to authorities.

Phoebe Copas mugshot

This booking photo obtained by Scripps News Waco shows Phoebe Copas. (Scripps News Waco)

Phoebe Copas, 48, was initially charged with aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury on June 16 for shooting Daniel Piedra Garcia, states the El Paso Police Department.

Copas told authorities she thought the driver was kidnapping her because she saw an exit sign on U.S. 54 that listed Fort Bliss and Juarez, Mexico.

Copas reportedly first called her boyfriend after the shooting, instead of authorities.

Piedra Garcia was taken to a hospital in critical condition and placed on life support. On June 22, authorities said he “succumbed to his injuries.”

A press release states, “The investigation does not support that kidnapping took place or that Piedra Garcia was veering from Copas’ destination.”

An arrest warrant for a murder charge was obtained against Copas following Piedra Garcia’s death, states authorities.

Scripps News Waco, an E.W. Scripps Company, contributed to this report.

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