East Valley Driver Faces Arrest for Shocking Road Rage Shooting Incident

24-year-old Alyssa Soto has been arrested following a road rage incident in Mesa, Arizona, where she allegedly shot at another driver. The confrontation occurred on August 7, shortly after 10 p.m., when the victim reported the incident to Mesa police.

According to court documents, the victim was merging lanes on McKellips Road when the driver of a black SUV, later identified as Soto, confronted them. After stopping at a red light at McKellips and Higley roads, Soto allegedly rolled down her window and began yelling at the victim.

The exchange escalated as both drivers argued, during which the victim claimed their spouse and 2-year-old child were in the car. Soto made a similar claim about her own child being present. Once the light turned green, both vehicles proceeded west on McKellips.

Eyewitnesses recounted that Soto pulled out a handgun and fired a shot at the victim’s vehicle, prompting them to flee the scene. Fortunately, the bullet did not strike the victim’s car or injure any occupants. The incident was captured on the victim’s car surveillance cameras, leading to Soto’s identification as the shooter.

Following up on the investigation, police located Soto’s vehicle at her grandmother’s home in Apache Junction. A shell casing was found at the crime scene, while further investigation revealed a 9mm pistol at Soto’s residence, matching the shell casing linked to the shooting.

Officers arrested Soto on August 16, during which she admitted to pulling out the gun in a moment of frustration. Although she claimed she was not intending to harm anyone, she acknowledged that her actions stemmed from anger after the road incident.

Soto faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful firearm discharge. Her case highlights the dangers associated with road rage and the potential escalation into violent situations.