HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A driver traveling on the Florida Turnpike was shot in the back Thursday afternoon in what investigators are saying is a case of road rage.
The shooting happened at 1:32 p.m. on the southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the victim was heading southbound approaching Griffin Road when another driver opened fire.
FHP says the shooting occurred as the victim was traveling in the left lane and was being tailgated by a white Mercedes-Benz GLA. Troopers say the suspect, a white male, possibly in his 40s, then changed lanes from the left lane to the center lane and fired a shot into the victim’s car.
The bullet went through the passenger’s side of the white Nissan Altima and the driver was hit once in the back, according to Lt. Yanko Reyes with the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP says the victim, a 26-year-old Black male, exited the highway onto Pines Boulevard and called 911. Sky 10 captured video of the car in the middle of a traffic turning lane.
The man was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he was reportedly in stable condition.
FHP says the shooter remains on the loose and are asking anyone with information to contact Broward Crimestoppers at (954) 493-8477. FHP also says those with information can call FHP by dialing *347 from their cell phone.
The investigation into the shooting continues.