Uber driver killed in ‘brazen act of violence’ during robbery, California video shows
Kon Fung, 52, an Uber driver working in East Oakland, was sitting in his parked car on Sunday, July 17 when two men approached, a video released by police shows.
One of the men opened Fung’s car door. Within seconds, shots were fired into the car.
This “brazen act of violence” in the 2000 block of 13th Avenue left Fung dead that morning, according to Oakland’s Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong.
“It’s a tragedy for this community and a tragedy for the city and a tremendous loss,” Armstrong said at a press conference on Monday, July 18.
In an emailed statement to McClatchy News, an Uber spokesperson said they are working to reach out to Fung’s family.
“We can’t imagine the heartbreak Mr. Fung’s loved ones are going through during this difficult time,” an Uber spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with them, and we hope the police are able to identify and arrest the individuals who senselessly took his life.”
To help with their investigation, police released a video of Fung’s attack.
Fung immigrated from Hong Kong eight years ago and was a “hard-working man,” according to a GoFundMe for Fung’s family. He worked two jobs to support his family, often working 16-18 hour days. He wanted to earn enough money to support his parents.
“He was extremely frugal and never spent money on himself but was always generous and willing to spend money on others,” the GoFundMe said.
During Monday’s press conference, Armstrong spoke about the toll homicides are taking on the city. Fung’s death marked the 63rd homicide for the city this year, with the 64th taking place within 24 hours of Fung’s death.
“Sixty-four people who have lost their lives are way too many people. Our community is suffering because of this trauma,” Armstrong said.
In recent years, as is similar to a national trend, homicides have increased in Oakland. In 2021, the police department investigated the most homicides it has since 2012, totaling 134.
“Further, Oakland experienced a 21% increase in shooting incidents,” according to the city.
Oakland City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas, who represents the district where Fung was killed, said during the press conference that she will work with the community to build strategies to combat the violence.
“We have to build those strategies that will look at multiple ways to get to the roots of violence, and also make sure that we are solving these crimes and supporting everyone in our city,” she said.
Armstrong announced Wednesday, July 20 that police located a car used during the attack on Fung.
The two attackers have still not been identified by police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 510-238-3821.
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 10:47 AM with the headline "Uber driver killed in ‘brazen act of violence’ during robbery, California video shows."
