Road Rage Incident Escalates: Shooter to Face Drive-By Charges After 347 Outrage

A road rage incident along State Route 347 culminated in gunfire on Tuesday, prompting a significant response from law enforcement. One vehicle was damaged, and a suspect now faces multiple felony charges, according to the authorities.

As reported by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the altercation was triggered when a black Lexus ES sedan reportedly cut off a Ford F-150 pickup truck. In the ensuing confrontation, the driver of the Lexus allegedly fired several shots, resulting in damage to the Ford’s tailgate and rear emergency lights. Fortunately, the driver of the Ford was unharmed.

Bart Graves, a spokesperson for the DPS, explained that the Lexus driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment of an unrelated medical condition. After his release, he will be booked on serious charges, including drive-by shooting and criminal damage. The driver’s identity will not be disclosed until formal charges are made.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the Lexus, now marked with nine bullet holes in the windshield, was found abandoned on Bowlin Road, secured with crime scene tape.

This incident marks the second drive-by shooting linked to road rage within Maricopa in just three weeks, highlighting a concerning trend as authorities increase scrutiny on aggressive driving behaviors.