Couple called Uber to stay safe during shootings, ended up in suspect's car

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WJBK) - A couple is lucky to be alive after taking an Uber ride from alleged Kalamazoo killer Jason Dalton.

Police believe it was Dalton who went on a shooting rampage Saturday night in the west Michigan city, killing six and injuring two others. He has since been arrested by police.

"I would never expect that somebody who had just been out killing people to come and pick me up," says the rider, who did not wish to give her name.

But that is exactly what happened when an Indianapolis couple hopped inside of the accused killer's car, thinking it was just another Uber ride.

"They'll be here in six minutes. His name is Jason in an HHR."

The couple tells FOX 59 they decided to take an Uber after hearing there was a shooter on the loose. Thinking that was their safest option, they had no idea they were just inches away from the suspect.

"At that time he was just really quiet and reserved."

The couple mentioned the shootings during the ride and Dalton appeared to be aware there was a gunman on the loose. Then, they asked him a bone-chilling question.

"I halfheartedly joked at him and said, 'You're not the shooter are you?' And he said no, and I said are you sure? And he said, 'No, I'm just really tired.' Looking back it is a weird way to respond."

Dalton said he had been driving for seven hours that day, which is how long police say the shooting rampage lasted.

The couple tells us they did not smell any gun powder or see a weapon, but police found a gun inside Dalton's car when they caught him.

"He had a weapon in the car that he had just killed people with."

Based on the timing and location of his arrest, this couple may likely have been his final passengers.

"We feel really lucky that we came out of this unharmed. Obviously, are thoughts are with the families of the people who were not so lucky."