Atlanta, Georgia – An Atlanta police officer has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his Lyft driver in Union City, Georgia. Koby Minor, a six-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department, has been charged with murder and aggravated assault. He resigned from the department and is currently in custody at Fulton County Jail, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday morning on South Fulton Parkway near Stonewall Tell Road, according to reports. Minor, who was on unpaid administrative leave at the time of his arrest, claimed that the Lyft driver, identified as Reginald Folks, began speaking on the phone in a language he did not understand.
Minor asked Folks to pull over, but he allegedly refused. Minor claimed that when the car stopped at a red light, he tried to get out but was unable to do so. He then alleged that Folks turned around, making him fear for his safety. Minor stated he fired three shots, broke the car window, and fled.
A witness who saw Minor waving his hand for help stopped and provided assistance. The witness recounted that Minor claimed Folks was trying to recruit him into a “gay fraternity” and that he believed he was being kidnapped.
Reginald Folks, 35, leaves behind a devastated family. The Atlanta Police Department has relieved Minor of his firearm, which remains in their custody. Minor was already on unpaid administrative leave due to a previous drug-related arrest. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.