Michigan State Police are investigating a road rage incident that escalated to gunfire on the I-696 freeway in Oakland County this past weekend. At around 10:20 a.m. yesterday, calls came into the Detroit Regional Communication Center reporting a “possible freeway shooting” near Evergreen Avenue. A 64-year-old man from Southfield claimed that a woman in a black SUV had fired a shot at his vehicle following a heated exchange that began with a blue water bottle being thrown, as reported by WWJ News Radio.
The suspected shooter's vehicle was seen exiting the freeway at Coolidge Avenue, after which the victim lost sight of them, according to MSP Second District. The man's Ford F-250 Super Duty was found with a bullet hole in the passenger side door. Police managed to retrieve the bullet, and, fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the violence of the incident. The freeway was temporarily shut down as investigators combed the area for evidence.
Shooting Investigation:
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) August 3, 2024
08/03/24 at 10:20 AM
Location:
E/B I-696 near Evergreen Ave.
Southfield
Synopsis:
The Detroit Regional Communication Center received calls of a possible freeway shooting on I 696. The caller, a 64-year-old male from Southfield, stated he was shot at by… pic.twitter.com/lI9uURZSYQ
According to MLive, Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw commented on the incident. "It appears another driver could not de-escalate from a traffic issue and chose to use a gun to settle the altercation," Shaw said. He emphasized the luck involved in the outcome, noting that "Fortunately, no one was hurt in this shooting".
Authorities are seeking the public's assistance to locate the individuals involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward and call the toll-free number, 855.MICH.TIP, or contact Crime Stoppers at 800.SPEAKUP. This plea for witnesses was corroborated by both Audacy and MLive reports. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to resolve this dangerous expression of on-road anger that could have caused severe harm.
