A South Side Man Accused of Shooting at Lyft Driver on Dan Ryan Expressway
A South Side man is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting at a Lyft driver on the Dan Ryan Expressway and attempting to cover up his crime by falsely reporting his car stolen. Robert Staples, 29, has been ordered detained on charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm toward an occupied vehicle and manufacture-delivery of cannabis.
The incident occurred on June 10 around 8 p.m. when Staples, driving a 2015 Kia sedan, fired multiple shots at a 2015 Buick traveling near 39th Street on the inbound Dan Ryan. The Lyft driver, who was behind the wheel of the Buick, reported that a white Kia with a damaged bumper was following him closely before pulling alongside and firing shots at his vehicle.
The Lyft driver managed to exit the expressway after his car was hit multiple times, including a shattered window. He informed his passenger that he was calling the police, prompting the passenger to exit the vehicle and walk away, claiming he had a warrant and didn’t want police involvement.
Just 45 minutes after the shooting, Staples reported his Kia stolen in an apparent attempt to divert suspicion. However, Illinois State Police troopers quickly located the supposedly stolen Kia parked behind Staples’ apartment building on West Congress Parkway.
Authorities executed search warrants on the car and Staples’ residence, where they discovered packaged marijuana. The Lyft driver positively identified Staples as the shooter, and additional evidence, including dash cam footage from the Lyft vehicle, license plate reader hits, and surveillance video, supported the allegations against him.
Robert Staples has been charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and drug-related offenses in connection with the incident. He remains in custody as the case proceeds through the legal system.
For more exclusive reporting and news updates, consider supporting our work by clicking here.
