Two Arrested in Connection with Alleged Road Rage Attack in Shasta County
Above: Stock Image
Two people have been arrested in connection with an alleged road rage attack in Shasta County in which a motorist was allegedly attacked with a hammer.
According to a press release by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a traffic collision at the intersection of Shasta Dam Boulevard and Oregon Avenue in Shasta Lake on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 19.
The reporting party alleged that an altercation occurred after he attempted to exchange insurance information with the other involved parties, identified as 31-year-old Andrew Gardner and 33-year-old Candice Orosco, both of Shasta Lake. Gardner allegedly assaulted the reporting party by striking him in the head with a hammer, resulting in minor injuries. Following the incident, Gardner and Orosco fled the scene separately.
Deputies launched an investigation, reviewing video surveillance footage from nearby businesses and conducting a search of the area. However, the vehicles involved were not immediately located.
On the morning of Thursday, July 20, the initial victim reported discovering one of the involved vehicles at a residence on Provo Avenue in Shasta Lake. Deputies responded and observed the vehicle leaving the residence, at which point they conducted an enforcement stop. The driver was identified as Candice Orosco.
During questioning, Orosco reportedly claimed that the initial incident arose from a road-rage altercation on I-5. She claimed to have called her boyfriend, Andrew Gardner, for assistance after fearing for her safety. Orosco then continued to follow the victim, exiting I-5 at Shasta Dam Boulevard. Gardner responded to her call and joined the pursuit.
Surveillance footage revealed Orosco’s vehicle overtaking the victim’s vehicle and suddenly slowing down, resulting in the collision. Gardner later arrived at the scene, where the alleged assault occurred.
On the afternoon of July 20, deputies secured an arrest warrant for Andrew Gardner, who was later found at a residence on Provo Avenue in Shasta Lake. Following a traffic stop, Gardner was taken into custody. During his interview with authorities, he admitted to assaulting the victim with a hammer.
Orosco was ultimately booked on suspicion of conspiracy, robbery, vandalism, and hit-and-run. Gardner was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy.
