The road rage incident that occurred on the 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights resulted in one person dead and another hospitalized, causing chaos and a major traffic jam for thousands of drivers. The incident took place just after 4 p.m. between two vehicles, a dark-colored Dodge Durango and a gold-colored Cadillac. The occupants of the Dodge Durango opened fire on the occupants of the Cadillac, leading the Cadillac driver to make a dangerous U-turn and drive southbound in the northbound lanes.
As a result of the shooting, the passenger inside the Cadillac was fatally shot, while the driver sustained serious injuries. Aerial footage showed the aftermath of the crash, with the Cadillac colliding with several vehicles, including a white Tesla that had cameras which could be crucial for the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with dash-cams or a Tesla to come forward with any footage they may have.
The suspects in the shooting are described as two Hispanic males armed with guns. They fired multiple rounds on the crowded freeway before fleeing the scene. The incident has raised concerns about public safety, with Lt. Purvis emphasizing the danger of such reckless actions on a busy freeway during rush hour.
Investigators were seen combing the freeway for evidence and interviewing witnesses while the northbound I-5 remained closed for hours, causing a nightmare traffic scenario for motorists. The closure was expected to last an additional 4-6 hours, diverting northbound traffic to I-710.
The identity of the victims has not been released, and the condition of the injured driver was not immediately available. The closure of the freeway has caused significant disruption, highlighting the serious consequences of road rage incidents and the importance of maintaining public safety on busy roadways.
