The suspect in a road rage shooting that happened on May 5, 2024, on I-75 has been arrested, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
In early May, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a call from a black Toyota Tundra driver (victim) with a U-Haul trailer. The driver reported being shot at by someone inside a black Infiniti QX80 following a road rage incident.
At approximately 5 p.m. on May 5, 2024, the driver of the Tundra, was driving south on Alligator Alley (Interstate 75), when the black Infiniti QX80 cut him off. A back-and-forth road rage incident ensued, which led to gunshots being fired from the Infiniti.
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The Infiniti left the scene while the victim stopped to contact law enforcement. FHP Troopers immediately responded to the scene and began a criminal investigation.
Troopers determined the time and location of the occurrence and that the back window of the Infiniti was shot out during the encounter. Based on this investigative discovery, FHP analysts with BCII were able to identify the suspect vehicle using license plate readers (LPR) in the area.
On May 14, 2024, Investigators with FHP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Intelligence (BCII) discovered the suspect vehicle was being serviced at a local dealership.
Troopers responded to the dealership to speak with the suspect driver, identified as Francisco Gonzalez, 44, of Lehigh Acres.
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Gonzalez advised he felt the driver of the Tundra almost killed him and his family by driving in his lane. Gonzalez advised he did what he did to defend his wife and stepson, who were also in the vehicle at the time.
After speaking to everyone involved and reviewing all evidence, FHP Investigators determined that Gonzalez’s assertion that he “stood his ground” to protect his family was not valid.
As a result of the investigation, the Infiniti was impounded, evidence was collected, and Gonzalez was arrested on the below charges and transported to Collier County Jail:
- Discharging Firearm from a Vehicle– Felony, 3 Counts
- Shooting or Throwing Missile into Dwelling, Building, Vehicle or Aircraft-Felony, 3 Counts
- Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony-Felony, 3 Counts
“If you ever encounter road rage, avoid confrontation, and do not engage. Once safe, call *FHP and wait for law enforcement assistance,” said FHP.
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