A suspected road rage incident turned deadly on Wednesday night with the shooting death of an unidentified motorist on Highway 18 in northwestern Polk County, according to an Oregon State Police news release.
OSP detectives with assistance from the Polk County Major Crimes Team are investigating the shooting that took place at approximately 9 p.m. July 13 in the vicinity of mile marker 15 in neighboring Polk County, which is roughly 60 miles north and west of Philomath.
According to OSP, a preliminary investigation shows that the victim had pulled off Highway 18 and stopped to allow the suspect’s vehicle pass. However, the suspect vehicle stopped next to the victim. After the victim got out of his car, multiple shots were fired from the suspect’s vehicle, reportedly by a passenger.
The victim, whose name, age or city of residence was not released, was declared dead at the scene. A passenger in the car was not injured.
OSP said the passenger was able to provide descriptions of the suspect’s vehicle and the passenger that allegedly shot the victim. The vehicle was described as a black car with a round emblem on the hood and the alleged shooter was a younger male, less than 25 years old, medium complexion and small in stature with short dark hair.
Officers from multiple agencies responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspect’s vehicle. One individual matching the description was detained, interviewed and eventually released, OSP stated.
OSP detectives urge anyone with information to call 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677) and reference case number SP22177525.