A man suspected of opening fire on a Tesla with what appeared to be a Glock 17 handgun on a Bay Area highway was arrested thanks to the victim's dashcam footage, authorities said. Gabino Villanueva Gomez, 23, was nabbed for the alleged shooting that took place on Interstate 880 near the connector with Highway 238 in Hayward, according to an X post from Henry K. Lee of KTVU.
The incident, which happened Thursday around 4 p.m., was investigated by the California Highway Patrol's Hayward Area officers with the help of the local police department. Officer D. Rodriguez took the lead, identifying the suspect and vehicle involved in the high-stakes incident that, by some miracle, left the victim unharmed. On closer inspection, the firearm turned out to be a replica Glock 17 airgun that shoots .177 caliber metal BBs, the CHP reported.
Following a swift investigation, law enforcement officials located the suspect vehicle on Friday with "the assistance of the Hayward Police Department," the CHP added. Once the vehicle was secured, Rodriguez found the airgun used in the alleged shooting spree. Villanueva Gomez is now facing multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, and is being held at Santa Rita Jail.
Authorities are remaining vigilant as they continue to prioritize public safety and respond to freeway shootings, which pose a significant threat to drivers. They advise anyone in a similar situation to remember details such as the assailant's vehicle and license plate numbers, maintain a safe distance, and immediately dial 911. Anyone with additional information about the I-880 shooting is urged to come forward and contact the Hayward CHP office at (510) 489-1500, the agency stated.
