Chicago Basketball Star and Uber Driver Executed in Garfield Park Drive-By Ambush

CHICAGO — An 18-year-old high school basketball player with multiple scholarship opportunities and an Uber driver were both killed after a gunman opened fire on their car in a deadly West Side ambush.

The shooting happened Thursday night near Homan Avenue and Lake Street in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood. Police say 18-year-old Damarion Johnson was riding home in the backseat of an Uber after basketball practice when a gray SUV pulled alongside the vehicle.

Investigators say someone inside the SUV leaned out and opened fire, sending multiple rounds into the car in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. Surveillance video captured the terrifying moments as gunfire erupted through the intersection.

The Uber driver, identified as 38-year-old Jassen Cho, was shot and later died from his injuries. Johnson was also struck multiple times and was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

Friends and coaches said Johnson was preparing to announce which college he planned to attend on a full basketball scholarship before his life was suddenly cut short.

Johnson played for Project sWISH Chicago and attended Christ the King Jesuit College Prep. Those close to him described him as driven, energetic, and focused on using basketball to build a better future.

Residents nearby described hearing rapid gunfire and scrambling for cover as bullets tore through the street. Witnesses said children were still outside when the shooting happened.

As of now, no arrests have been announced. Detectives continue investigating the deadly double homicide.