Royal Oak, MI — A road-rage confrontation turned violent Wednesday evening when a driver opened fire on another motorist at a busy freeway interchange in Oakland County, authorities said.
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on February 4 at the southbound I-75 to I-696 interchange in Royal Oak. According to Michigan State Police, the Detroit Regional Communications Center was notified by Warren Police Department of a felonious assault stemming from a traffic altercation on I-696.
Troopers met with the victim at the Warren Police Department, where the driver reported he had been traveling southbound on I-75 toward eastbound I-696 during slowed rush-hour traffic when a newer-model white Jeep Cherokee or Compass with tinted windows began driving on the right shoulder. The Jeep allegedly cut off the victim while merging toward the westbound ramp as the victim continued eastbound.
Investigators said that as the two vehicles were briefly side by side, the Jeep’s driver opened his door and fired multiple shots toward the victim’s vehicle before fleeing down the westbound ramp. The victim drove eastbound to escape further gunfire. His vehicle was struck twice on the passenger side, but no injuries were reported.
The suspect is described as a Black male with dreadlocks. State police temporarily shut down the interchange from southbound I-75 to I-696 while a K-9 sweep was conducted. The investigation remains ongoing.
“This is another example of a dispute being settled with a handgun,” said Mike Shaw. “Detectives are currently using technology in the area to attempt to identify the driver of the Jeep. This caller did the right thing by making themselves safe and notifying 911 as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting or the suspect vehicle is urged to contact Michigan State Police.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com