Uber driver shot, passenger injured in South Side ambush

CHICAGO — Bullets tore apart a decades-long bond between two friends on Saturday.

At just 36 years old, Caron Arterbury worked as an Uber rideshare driver in his spare time and dreamed of leaving Chicago to start a better life.

He never had the chance.

Xandria Branch and her mother, Tamira Terry, spoke to WGN News Monday via Zoom from Atlanta, where they have settled away from Chicago.

“We remained friends. We were best friends. I grew up with him,” Branch said of Arterbury.

“He rested with us. He was a very important part of our family,” Terry added.

“He made sure that friendship was always strong and no matter how many miles were between us, nothing could separate the bond we had built over the years,” Branch said.

Arterberry was driving an Uber and picked up a 24-year-old passenger. The vehicle was stopped at 80th and S. Jeffrey Boulevard when another vehicle pulled up behind them. Police say two men got out of the vehicle and opened fire, killing Arterbury and injuring his passenger.

Branch said Arterbury’s sister broke the news to her.

“He was thinking about moving to Arizona or Texas,” Branch said.

Saddened by the loss, Branch and Terry say they will miss Arterbury’s smile.

“When he walked into a room, he always had a smile, and his smile was so easy,” Terry said.

The mother and daughter asked all carpool drivers to be aware of the dangers involved in their work.

“Make sure you are protected and safe and never doubt. If there’s anything questionable,” Terry said. “But if in doubt, just don’t take it.”

Uber officials responded to WGN News’ request for comment, saying, “The devastating act of violence that took Mr. Arterbury’s life and injured a rider is heartbreaking and our thoughts are with everyone involved. We hope that the police will be able to arrest the culprits and are ready to help in any way we can.”