2 more cars hit on Interstate 10, DPS investigating; 3rd vehicle a possibility
Sep 10, 2015, 6:32 AM | Updated: 4:57 pm
(Twitter Photo)
(Twitter Photo)
PHOENIX — Two vehicles were struck by projectiles while driving on Interstate 10 near 83rd Avenue on Thursday morning, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said and a third was a possibility.
There have been 11 confirmed shootings on the freeway in less than two weeks. There remained no suspect.
So far 11 shootings confirmed. Most current information here: http://t.co/rDrVx4ywjY #AZfreewayshootings
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) September 10, 2015
Authorities cordoned off a third site around lunchtime. That vehicle, a semitruck, was on I-10 near 67th Avenue when something hit a door.
A fourth car was traveling on State Route 51 near Shea Boulevard early afternoon when a window shattered. There has been no determination yet whether the incident was related to the serial shootings.
A car window was hit on State Route 51 near Shea Boulevard. (KTAR Photo/Corbin Carson)
We are currently investigating a delayed report of a bullet that struck a commercial vehicle. No other information is available.
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) September 10, 2015
DPS was looking into two more claims along the Loop 202 San Tan freeway on Thursday evening.
The day’s first incident happened around 6 a.m.
The driver eventually made his way to a coffee shop at Interstate 17 and Thomas Road. A side window cracked from the force of the projectile.
Around 9 a.m., the first semitruck was hit; investigators said there was a bullet hole in the semi.
None of the drivers Thursday were injured. So far, only one person has been reported injured — a child sprayed with by broken glass.
Seven vehicles were hit by bullets, four by projectiles (including pellets). Some have been hit early morning, others in the evening and one late at night.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead told KTAR’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes Show that different weapons were involved and the methods varied, “but we’ll solve this one of two ways … tips or the diligence of detectives.”
Milstead went on to say that he would advise his daughter not drive on the freeway for the time being.
10 shooting incidents under investigation by Arizona State detectiveshttp://t.co/TVJ1YOqemI
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) September 10, 2015
The shootings began late morning Aug. 29, when an SUV heading east on I-10 near 19th Avenue was hit by a bullet.
Within a few minutes, a westbound tour bus was shot at on the freeway between 35th and 67th avenues.
State troopers have been patrolling freeways from early morning to night.
Milstead called the shootings an “act of cowardliness.”
A $20,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest of the suspected serial shooter.
DPS can be contacted at 602-644-5805.
