On July 25, 2023, an unbelievable scene unfolded on Interstate 80 near the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza when a naked woman, later identified as Sequoia Dunkinsell, started firing shots at commuters during the busy evening commute. According to ABC7 News, the 32-year-old Sacramento resident has been charged with multiple crimes, including shooting at an occupied vehicle, making criminal threats, and three counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. If convicted of all charges, Dunkinsell faces over 22 years in state prison.
UPDATE: Sequoia Dunkinsell, 32, held by @CHPSanFrancisco,charged by @SFDAOffice @BrookeJenkinsSF w/shooting at occupied vehicle,threats, assault w/gun,negligent discharge & brandishing for opening fire while naked on EB I-80 near toll plaza pic.twitter.com/sJ0TqaWb54
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) August 1, 2023
Dunkinsell pleaded not guilty to all charges during her arraignment today. The chilling event caused a temporary shutdown of all eastbound lanes near the toll plaza, creating a traffic nightmare for Bay Area commuters. Investigators say that Dunkinsell fired shots into the air and at passing vehicles for almost an hour and a half before being arrested by the California Highway Patrol.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized the gravity of the situation in a statement, saying, "The incident on the freeway was terrifying and endangered the lives of countless commuters. We will do everything in our power to ensure that there is appropriate accountability." In a witness video shared by KTVU, the shock and fear of those caught in the chaos were palpable.
As the legal process unfolds, Dunkinsell will remain in custody with no bail set. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 11. The investigation into this bizarre act of violence is still ongoing, with many unanswered questions surrounding the motivations behind such a dangerous and disruptive act.
