LOS ANGELES — Authorities reported that a shooting linked to road rage during the evening rush hour in Southern California resulted in one fatality and left another person injured. The incident took place on Thursday just after 4 p.m. and led to the closure of the northbound lanes of the Interstate 5 freeway in northeast Los Angeles for several hours.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the state law enforcement agency, initial investigations suggest that the two men suspected of involvement in the shooting managed to escape from the scene. The disturbance began when a gold Cadillac sedan and a dark-colored SUV were seen pursuing one another, with the Cadillac ultimately crashing into an innocent vehicle, as per the CHP’s findings.
Witnesses reported seeing two men exit the SUV and open fire on the Cadillac, injuring both occupants inside. Preliminary investigations indicate that the SUV may have been a Dodge Durango. In an effort to evade the gunfire, the Cadillac made a U-turn and drove against traffic in the northbound lanes, colliding with several other vehicles in the process.
Tragically, the passenger in the Cadillac succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the driver was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The identity of the deceased passenger has not been released, pending notification of family members.
Local television coverage highlighted the chaotic scene on the freeway, where hundreds of motorists were seen outside of their vehicles, navigating the congested area. The northbound lanes of the freeway remained closed until around 1 a.m. on Friday, causing significant backups that extended for miles.
