Rideshare driver shot and killed in Inglewood; suspect remains at large

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- A rideshare driver was shot and killed during a robbery in Inglewood Tuesday morning, according to his family, and police are now searching for the suspect.

It happened around 3 a.m. near Walnut Street. Police initially received a call about a collision in the area.

When officers arrived to the scene, they found the driver inside a white SUV with at least one gunshot wound.

Authorities have not officially confirmed the man's identity, but friends and family told ABC7 the victim was 40-year-old Juan Miguel Chan.

Chan was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Chan's family, who gathered Tuesday evening for a vigil at the scene of the crime, said he had been working as a rideshare driver for the last 10 years.

They said he was working when he was gunned down in what they believe was a robbery.

"Why would they take someone's life?" asked Ashley Velasquez, a close family friend. "Just rob him, take the car ... they just should've left him."

Velasquez attended Tuesday night's vigil, where she was seen consoling Chan's wife, who was visibly emotional.

"He took me as his own ... doesn't matter if we were family or not," said Velasquez as she held back tears. "I got so close to him. He was an amazing guy, amazing father, amazing friend. He was so humble ... really nice."

Residents who spoke with Eyewitness News earlier in the day said they saw Chan being pulled from his SUV as officers tried to save his life.

Some witnesses said they saw someone run from the vehicle.

"I heard a couple of shots," said resident Angie Barboza. "He's just making a living ... and for someone to do that is just very heartbreaking."

Residents in the area said they were surprised to hear something like that happened in their neighborhood, which they say is typically quiet.

"I mean, besides fireworks ... that's about it," said resident Tanya Nolen.

It is unknown where Chan lived, whether he was in the neighborhood to pick someone up or if the incident was a random or targeted attack.

The suspect remains at large, though a description was not immediately available.

Investigators said they are actively looking for any evidence or surveillance video that may provide them with information about the incident.

"We just want answers," said Velasquez. "I beg you guys, please give us answers, or tell the police something. Please say something. Don't do it for me, do it for his babies, for his wife."

A GoFundMe has since been set up to help Chan's family.