Uber driver shot in face in Metro East is hockey coach

COLUMBIA, Ill. — The Uber driver shot in the face over the weekend is a popular youth hockey coach in the Metro East.

Allen Lalk, 52, head coach of Columbia Eagles hockey and an Uber driver on the side, is hospitalized and has undergone surgery, brother Greg Lalk said on Monday.

"He's doing fine," Greg Lalk said.

Allen Lalk, who lives in Columbia, had picked up the two passengers, ages 17 and 20, in north St. Louis about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, police said.

During the ride, one of the passengers pulled a gun and ordered Lalk to return to his home, Columbia police said.

Instead, Lalk headed to the Columbia police station at 1020 North Main Street to seek help, police said.

As Lalk stopped the vehicle, one of the passengers shot him in the face. The gunmen then ran off. Lalk was rushed to