Atlanta police officer allegedly opened fire, killed his Lyft driver

After being arrested by another department this week for allegedly shooting and killing a Lyft driver, an Atlanta police officer has resigned, according to a press release.

Koby Minor was arrested by the Union City Police Department in Georgia, he said. He joined APD in July 2018. Minor had a disciplinary history dating back to 2021 and was already on administrative leave for his December 2023 arrest in Milton, Georgia, at the time of his last arrest.

By Wednesday, Minor had resigned. His firearm has been in the custody of the department since he was placed on administrative leave.

According to a press release from the Union City Police Department cited by CNN, Minor was charged with murder and aggravated assault. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office records, viewed Saturday, show he remained in custody.

Authorities identified the victim as Reginald Folks, a Lyft driver. Folks was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.

“A passerby who saw Minor waving his hand on the side of Stonewall Tell Road in Union City called police, the affidavit states,” CNN reported. “A minor told the passerby that he thought he was being kidnapped by people.”

Minor said Folks picked him up after he left another officer’s home and the driver was talking on the phone through his car’s Bluetooth in an unknown language, according to CNN. Additionally, Minor stated that he “heard what he thought was another voice in his ear speaking to him, but he did not say what that voice said.”

The former police officer also told authorities that Folks continued driving when he asked him to stop. He then said he tried to unlock his door at a red light, but was unable to open it. At that point, Minot claims Folks turned around and tried to reach into the back seat. That’s when Minor allegedly shit on the driver. He is accused of firing three shots and smashing the vehicle’s window, CNN reported.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Folks’ loved ones as they deal with this unspeakable tragedy, and we have reached out to offer our support during this difficult time,” Lyft said in a statement shared with the outlet. “We stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation and have permanently banned the rider’s account from the Lyft community.”

CNN said it was unable to determine whether Minor had obtained legal representation and had contacted the Milton Police Department for more information.