DUNWOODY, GA – A confrontation outside a suburban Atlanta Waffle House turned violent over the weekend when a rideshare driver allegedly shot a teenage girl following an argument about seating capacity in his vehicle.
Police say Meredith Grundy, 38, was working as a driver when he arrived early Sunday to pick up five teenage girls at the Waffle House parking lot. Grundy informed the teens that his car could not safely accommodate all five passengers due to a shortage of seatbelts and the vehicle’s size limitations.
As tensions rose, an argument broke out between Grundy and the group of girls. According to investigators, the situation turned physical when one of the teens reportedly struck Grundy. Law enforcement officials allege that, following the altercation, Grundy pulled out a firearm and shot one of the teenagers several times.
Officers responded to the Dunwoody scene and discovered a 16-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds to her back and legs. Paramedics transported the teen to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where authorities said she remained in critical but stable condition as of Tuesday.
Police accounts varied regarding what transpired prior to the shooting. While Grundy claimed that one of the teens threatened him before the violence erupted, the other four girls told officers there were no threats directed at the driver before he fired his weapon.
Detectives quickly took Grundy into custody, charging him with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Jail records indicate he was later released on bond, though the exact date was not immediately available.
The rideshare company associated with Grundy confirmed that he had been driving for their platform. Company officials said the driver’s access to their app had been revoked and that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Local authorities have not specified whether additional charges could be filed as they review evidence and statements from all parties involved.
The incident has sparked heightened concern over safety protocols for rideshare drivers and passengers, particularly involving minors and large groups seeking transport.
As the investigation moves forward, law enforcement officials continue to gather details surrounding the disputed events leading up to the shooting. No further information about the other teens involved, including their identities, has been released by authorities.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Dunwoody Police Department as the inquiry remains ongoing.