SAN RAFAEL — A freeway shooting suspect was arrested on March 19 following a road rage incident, apparently provoked by one driver honking his car horn at another driver during rush hour traffic.
The California Highway Patrol received a report of a possible freeway shooting at 5:35 p.m. on westbound Interstate 580, near the downtown San Rafael off ramp. But it turned out to be a pellet gun.
The victim told CHP officers that he honked his horn at another driver for cutting him off; then the other driver pulled up alongside his car and brandished what looked like a handgun in a threatening manner.
According to the CHP the victim distanced himself from the other driver and exited from the freeway, driving into San Rafael, where he pulled over and waited for officers.
Responding CHP officers noticed a dent in the victim’s vehicle consistent with a firearm projectile impact. CHP officers subsequently closed the freeway off ramp where the incident occurred for approximately 30 minutes to search for evidence.
The victim provided CHP officers with the license plate number of the suspected shooter, and local Marin County law enforcement agencies were notified to be on the lookout for the suspect’s vehicle.
At approximately 9:10 p.m., San Rafael police officers located the suspect driving and pulled him over. The driver, 18-year-old San Rafael resident Cristian Torrez-Perez, was detained.
CHP officers joined local police officers on the scene. Investigating officers searched suspect’s car and located a pellet gun inside.
Torrez-Perez was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, and discharging a firearm from inside a vehicle, he hauled away to Marin County Jail.
