Man killed in shootout with troopers near Green River
Man rams cars, shoots at vehicles on I-80
May 26, 2006
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers were involved in a shooting with a man who went on a shooting and driving rampage on I-80 around 9:30 pm on Thursday, May 24th near Green River. The man was ultimately fatally killed by Troopers.
According to a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) news release, the incident took place when numerous calls came into the Wyoming Highway Patrol Dispatch Center in Cheyenne reference a REDDI (report every drunk driver immediately) report. The vehicle was on Interstate 80 near mile post #64, or approximately 25 miles west of Green River. The vehicle, a white Jeep, was attempting to run vehicles off the roadway and was reportedly traveling approximately 100 mph. The driver of the Jeep then began intentionally ramming vehicles and then shooting at vehicles with a handgun. Numerous vehicles were struck by gun fire during this time.
Numerous witnesses kept calling into the Patrol Dispatch Center updating dispatchers as the driver drove his vehicle westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Interstate. The driver changed direction numerous times and attempted to hit vehicles head-on as he traveled back and forth in the opposite lanes of traffic.
The driver again rammed vehicles causing several injury crashes and eventually stopped his vehicle at one of the crashes. He then exited his vehicle and began shooting at the motorists who were stopped. Shortly thereafter, Troopers arrived on scene and exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
In the exchange of gunfire the suspect was apparently struck. At this time it is unknown how many shots were fired by both the suspect and by Troopers.
The only fatality in the incident was the suspect, whose name has not yet been released until he is positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
According to WHP, the injuries to victims in the five mile area of this incident are all believed to be from the vehicle crashes and not from gun shots fired from the suspect. It is unknown how many people have been injured or the extent of the injuries. Several victims have been transported to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs.
Troopers were assisted during this incident by deputies from the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Department and from the Uinta County Sheriff's Department.
|
