‘Didn’t deserve this’: Lyft driver shot during Charlotte crime spree dies

CHARLOTTE — A Lyft driver who was shot during a crime spree in northwest Charlotte last week has died, leaving his family grieving and the community in shock.

Shabazz Mesiah Grant, a 34-year-old father of four with another child on the way, was driving for Lyft when he was shot twice on Hoskins Road, causing him to crash into a home.

This is 34-year-old Shabazz Grant. He is the second person that has died after police say Joseph Andrade went on a crime spree last week on N Hoskins Road. His family says he was driving for Lyft when he was killed. His uncle shared a statement with me about the loss. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/f6iOQpB92O
— Eli Brand (@EliBrandTV) October 27, 2025

A passenger in Grant’s vehicle returned fire and provided aid to Grant until emergency responders arrived.

Grant was eventually taken to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

“He was a good son, good brother, good nephew, good father to his kids, good friend, and overall good guy that didn’t deserve this,” said Grant’s uncle in a statement to Channel 9.

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The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department reported that Grant was one of three victims caught in the middle of a crime spree last Thursday.

The suspect, Joseph Andrade, allegedly stole a car, crashed into a home, kidnapped a woman, and led police on a high-speed chase before a shootout near Pinky’s Westside Grill resulted in his death.

Andrade, 28, from Ocala, Florida, had a criminal record with at least four arrests in Marion County, Florida, mostly for traffic-related charges. However, the motive behind his actions in Charlotte remains unclear.

Former passengers of Grant have expressed their condolences, with one recalling him as incredibly nice and just trying to make it in this world.

The tragic events have left a family mourning and a community seeking answers as to why such violence occurred.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is the lead agency investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Lyft statement:

“This tragedy is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with the driver’s family and loved ones. We’ve reached out to support those affected, and stand ready to assist law enforcement in any investigation.”

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