Woman sentenced to 5 years in prison for Mesa road rage shooting

PHOENIX — A woman was sentenced to five years in prison for shooting at a family in a Tesla during a Mesa road rage incident, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Saturday.

The incident occurred in August 2024 near Higley and McKellips roads.

“Firing a gun at a family because you are angry is not a mistake — it’s a dangerous, criminal choice,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a release. “There is no place for this kind of treacherous behavior in our community.

“If you choose violence in Maricopa County, you will face serious consequences.”

What led to Mesa road rage incident, subsequent arrest?

The woman, driving in a GMC truck, pulled up next to a Tesla being driven by a man with his wife and infant child inside. She yelled and cursed at the family before pulling out a handgun when the man responded with a hand gesture, authorities said.

She shot at the Tesla as the man drove away, but did not cause any damages or injuries.

A 9mm bullet casing was found at the scene of the crime. Security video footage captured by the Tesla and nearby traffic cameras identified 25-year-old Alyssa Soto as the suspect and confirmed the involvement of her boyfriend’s truck.

Soto was arrested at a Mesa residence nine days after the incident, and she later admitted to the shooting. A 9mm handgun was retrieved from the truck during the arrest.

She pleaded guilty to one count of drive-by shooting, which is a Class 2 felony.

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