Drive-by shooter sentenced to 10 years for targeting Uber Eats driver in Brooklyn

November 8, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Brooklyn Supreme Court, Criminal Term, at 320 Jay St. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

The Brooklyn Supreme Court, Criminal Term at 320 Jay St. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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A man who fired multiple shots at an Uber Eats driver in a random drive-by shooting in Crown Heights has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The driver of the Uber Eats vehicle managed to escape the incident unharmed.

Laquan Battle, 28, pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for the December 2021 incident. Prosecutors said Battle fired four shots at a 22-year-old driver who was sitting in his parked car between deliveries.

“This defendant’s decision to open fire on an innocent driver was a shocking act of violence that put a stranger’s life at risk and terrorized a peaceful neighborhood,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez following the sentencing on Thursday. “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to confronting gun violence with accountability.”

The attack occurred just before midnight on Pacific Street. Without warning, Battle pulled up in a red Kia, cursed at the victim and opened fire with a 9mm handgun.

One bullet struck the victim’s car, while another hit a nearby parked vehicle. Battle fled the scene, but detectives from the 77th Precinct quickly identified his vehicle from surveillance footage. After months on the run, he was arrested in Jonesboro, Georgia, in May 2022.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully sentenced Battle to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

District Attorney Gonzalez praised the investigative work that led to the arrest. “My office will continue to pursue justice for those who recklessly endanger public safety and ensure that everyone in Brooklyn can feel safe in their community,” he said.