Two Mishawaka, Indiana men are facing serious charges following what police are describing as a road rage incident in Berrien County that escalated into gunfire. The altercation occurred early in the morning on June 6, along US-12 in Bertrand Township. The result was one person sustaining a gunshot wound, forcing the victim to seek help from JD's Truck Stop, as reported by WOODTV.
According to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Ryland Mayfield of Mishawaka is charged with three counts of assault with intent to murder, among other weapons charges. Details indicate that the incident happened just after 3:30 a.m. Mayfield has also been accused of carrying a concealed weapon without the necessary permits, possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony, and committing a miscellaneous weapons offense. In addition, 26-year-old Sean Rader, also from Mishawaka, has been charged with accessory after the fact, as further elaborated in a WZZM13 report. Police later located the suspect vehicle in Indiana, as noted by authorities.
The 27-year-old victim, Kristian Hertsel from Niles, was transported to a South Bend hospital following the shooting and is expected to survive his injuries. The severity of Hertsel's condition was not detailed in the reports. Both suspects have been lodged at the Berrien County Jail, with arraignment scheduled for Friday, as per the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident is still under active investigation, with authorities attempting to piece together the events that led to the shooting. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation, as stated by WWMT.
