Search continues for motorcycle driver involved in road rage shooting on I-15

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — There are still several unanswered questions about a violent Davis County road rage case, where one person was shot on I-15 near the Layton Hills Mall. Investigators with the Utah Highway Patrol say they have no suspect and no motive.

Police say the victim has been stabilized, but these cases can be frustrating for investigators, and they’re urging drivers to calm down if another driver cuts them off.

Investigators weren’t sure who shot at the car going north on I-15, the motorcycle driver or their passenger, but they now believe it was the driver. Also, troopers still don’t know what sparked the road rage in the first place. Some motorcycle safety experts say these incidents start for a lot of different reasons.

Dan Terry runs the Motorcycle Rider Education Program at Salt Lake Community College.

“Sometimes, it’s the driver of the car that cut the motorcycle of that started the feedback cycle. Sometimes, it’s the motorcyclist that’s acting crazy and stupid that started the feedback cycle, and, maybe it’s both of them," he said.

According to Terry, in some cases, drivers truly don’t see the motorcycles around them. In others, some drivers have true disdain for motorcycle riders.

“I had, a few years ago on I-15, a driver looked at me, looked me in the eye, smiled and then pushed me off the road,” he said.

Whether you’re in a car or on a bike, Terry said if someone wrongs you on the roads, just let it go, especially if you’re on a motorcycle.

“The rule of lugnuts applies. He who has the most lugnuts, wins,” said Terry.

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These cases can be frustrating for police to investigate. For example, Salt Lake City still hasn’t made any arrests in connection with a road rage shooting that happened two months ago. Sgt. Mark Wian said four shots were fired at a car on 300 West near 1900 South on April 5.

“If the community found themselves in or around that area and has some information, please give us a call. That would really help our detectives out, so that we can continue moving down a road to solving this case,” said SLCPD Sergeant Mark Wian

Victims of road rage should call 911 immediately and give them all the details they can, Wian said. Investigators will check nearby homes or businesses to see if anyone has surveillance footage of what happened.

“I can assure you that the members of this police department take every investigation seriously. We have to take into account that we have to put all the pieces to the puzzle together because we want to make sure we’re holding the right people accountable,” he said.

Another thing police say you should do if someone is aggressive or violent to you on the roads, don’t go home. They said you don’t want an angry suspect knowing where you live. Instead, drive to the nearest police station.