Florida Man Charged After Shooting Uber Driver

A man from Florida is facing charges for allegedly shooting an Uber driver during a heated exchange centered on politics and religion. The incident reportedly escalated when David Stuart Stinson told the driver to “go back to your country.”

Stinson, who turned 42 just a day after the shooting early on Sunday in Clearwater, has been charged with multiple offenses, including discharging a weapon into a vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to a police affidavit, Stinson had called for a ride from his sister’s house in Oldsmar to his residence in Largo. The discussion in the rideshare car turned intense when Stinson learned information about the driver’s background.

As the conversation soured, the driver parked the vehicle, opened Stinson’s door, and insisted he exit due to Stinson’s aggressive behavior. Frustrated, the driver then drove away, leaving Stinson on the side of the road. Afterward, Stinson allegedly pulled out a gun and fired three shots at the departing Uber vehicle.

Fortunately, the bullets struck the rear and passenger side of the car, but the driver was unharmed. He expressed to authorities that he feared for his safety, thinking Stinson might try to hurt him.

Law enforcement quickly responded and located Stinson at his home, which was a couple of miles away. During the investigation, he reportedly gave his wife a purse to hide, unaware that officers were already aware of it. Inside the purse, they discovered a Glock 19 handgun and ammunition believed to be connected to the shooting.

Upon his arrest, Stinson was heard telling his wife, “I’ll see you in a few days,” while inquiring whether she had concealed the bag, not realizing it had already been taken as evidence.

In a statement to detectives, Stinson acknowledged the argument with the driver but denied having fired a weapon. Law enforcement noted he appeared to be intoxicated but could not ascertain if other substances were involved in the incident.

Stinson also faces charges for tampering with evidence and discharging a firearm in public. He has since been released after posting bail.

A temporary extreme risk protection order has been issued against him, demanding he surrender any firearms following the altercation. Stinson is expected back in court on April 27.