A man has been formally charged after officials say he caused a fatal crash that killed an Uber passenger and wounded the driver during a hit‑and‑run while fleeing authorities.
Incident Overview
On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 7:14 a.m., the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve a warrant against Joseph Cini, 35, for an alleged domestic assault. Cini fled the scene in a Nissan Maxima, heading eastbound on Girard Avenue from the 900 block of North Watts Street.
While driving away, Cini crashed into a red Jeep Patriot that was being used as an Uber vehicle. Investigators report that the collision occurred on the same stretch of Girard Avenue before Cini abandoned his car and walked northbound on 8th Street.
Fatalities and Injuries
The Uber passenger, 63‑year‑old Angela Cooper, was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:24 a.m. Cooper was a long‑time employee with PECO and was known for spending her free time helping the homeless.
The Uber driver, Pastor Stephen Thompson, a part‑time driver and local pastor, was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was placed in stable condition. Thompson’s wife, Jenelle Thompson, told NBC10 that she was on the phone with him as first responders pulled him from the wreck. “He’s in pain but at least alive,” she said.
Arrest and Charges
Cini is currently in custody but is receiving medical treatment at the hospital, according to the District Attorney’s Office. He faces several charges, including homicide by vehicle, driving without a license, and aggravated assault.
“We want the families and surviving victim to know that our office is doing everything and will continue to do everything we can to get justice,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Cini had no valid driver’s license and was not allowed to drive a car. Police are still examining the vehicles involved to determine how fast Cini was traveling at the time of the crash. Once all evidence is reviewed, sources say additional charges could be filed.
Media Coverage
NBC10 captured the moment Cini, surrounded by family, walked into Philadelphia police headquarters to turn himself in. The footage shows him handcuffed and escorted by officers as he approached the building.
Key Takeaways
- Joseph Cini, 35, is charged with homicide by vehicle, driving without a license, and aggravated assault after a hit‑and‑run on Dec. 15, 2025.
- The crash killed 63‑year‑old Angela Cooper and injured Uber driver Pastor Stephen Thompson, who is in stable condition.
- Cini fled the scene in a Nissan Maxima, abandoned it, and walked northbound on 8th Street.
- The District Attorney’s Office is treating Cini as a suspect and is continuing to investigate the incident.
The incident underscores the dangers of reckless driving and the serious legal consequences that can follow a hit‑and‑run. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and will keep the public updated as new information becomes available.
