UPDATE: A 16-year-old boy has been charged after allegedly stabbing a rideshare driver multiple times in a shocking incident at a Gold Coast shopping centre early Wednesday morning. The 32-year-old Uber driver is currently in critical condition at Gold Coast University Hospital after being discovered semi-conscious in her vehicle around 1:25 AM.
Authorities report that the woman sustained severe stab wounds to her head, neck, and back. She was found by a security guard who alerted emergency services, leading to her immediate transport to the hospital. Detective Inspector Paul Fletcher confirmed earlier that the victim had been left in the car park for an hour or two before being discovered.
The police investigation revealed that the teenager had booked a ride with the Uber driver, traveling from Hope Island to Coomera prior to the attack. A sweeping search ensued, with police cordoning off part of the Foxwell Road shopping centre and deploying a dog squad to comb the area for evidence.
The motive behind this brutal attack remains unclear, and authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 11 PM and midnight to come forward. Uber and the shopping centre management are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The teenager has been charged with multiple offenses, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, and deprivation of liberty. He is scheduled to appear at Southport Children’s Court on Thursday.
This alarming incident underscores the rising concerns over safety in rideshare services and public spaces. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this attack, and community members are urged to remain vigilant.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
