Former Atlanta police officer who allegedly shot Lyft driver thought he was recruited into ‘gay fraternity’

ATLANTA (TCD) — A former Atlanta police officer was arrested this week for allegedly shooting and killing his Lyft driver who he said belonged “to a gay fraternity and was trying to recruit him.”

Fulton County Jail records show Koby Minor was booked into custody on May 15 on charges of murder and aggravated assault. According to Minor’s arrest affidavit cited by WSB-TV, on May 15, just after midnight, Minor allegedly called a Lyft to pick him up from the home of a friend, a fellow police officer. Reginald Folks arrived and during the ride, Folks allegedly spoke on the phone with someone in another language.

WSB reports that Minor allegedly heard a second voice, so he asked Folks to stop the car. The people allegedly wouldn’t obey, so Minor tried to open the door at a red light, but it remained closed. People allegedly reached into the backseat, so Minor pulled out his gun and shot him three times, including in the head. Minor got out of the car after breaking a window.

Another driver stopped to help because she saw Minor calling for help. That’s when he allegedly said he thought Folks was trying to kidnap him and recruit him into his “gay fraternity.”

Atlanta Police Department issued a statement saying Minor resigned from the department immediately after his arrest. Minor was on administrative leave at the time because he was arrested in December on drug charges. Minor was allegedly not detained with his department-issued firearm because Atlanta police took it from him when he went on leave.

Minor joined the Atlanta Police Department in 2018.

Folks was a wrestler who attended Clark Atlanta University.

A Lyft spokesperson told WSB in a statement: “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. . We are ready to assist law enforcement with any issues. investigation and have permanently banned the passenger’s account from the Lyft community.

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