This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The man charged in a shooting spree in Kalamazoo, Michigan, last month says his actions were compelled by the Uber app, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reported Monday that the suspect, Jason Brian Dalton, said the app was controlling him through his phone. The Uber driver allegedly carried out an unprovoked, four-hour attack while picking up fares.
Dalton, 45, of Kalamazoo, is accused of killing six people and injuring two others in a series of shootings in the southwestern Michigan town.
His victims were shot at three different locations, including a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
The shootings renewed concerns over Uber's screening process for drivers, though the company was quick to say that Dalton had no criminal record, meaning a background check likely would not have helped.
A witness told the Post that 90 minutes before Dalton opened fire on random bystanders and restaurant patrons, Dalton picked him up for an Uber ride. His driving was apparently so erratic that the trip was cut short and the passenger dialed 911.
Uber has been contacted, but has not made any comments.