An 11-year-old boy passed away Friday, following a “road rage” incident in Nevada.
Henderson police arrested Tyler Matthew Johns, 22, after he and the child’s stepfather allegedly began “jockeying for positions trying to pass each other” in heavy traffic, with one driver taking to the shoulder, Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader said at a news conference.
The incident occurred just outside of Gibson, on Interstate 215, heading westbound, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Friday.
Police say the stepfather and Johns, at one point, rolled down their windows and exchanged words. Johns then allegedly pulled out a handgun and reportedly shot into the stepfather’s SUV.
The single shot struck the child in the back seat.
Police arrested Johns and charged him with open murder, along with two gun offenses.
The victim received help from both Henderson Fire Department first responders and the University Medical Center staff, but succumbed to his injuries.
“An 11-year-old was on his way to school, and this senseless act took his life,” Rader said.
Henderson police and the chief want to remind the public to “do better.”
“I need everybody to be patient on our roadways. We have an obligation to look out for each other.”
Radar continued to speak about temperaments during the holidays and the congestion.
“The holidays are coming up, and we usually have congestion and tempers run high. It is not worth it to engage in this type of behavior,” he added.
“I would rather you be stuck in traffic and late for your destination than have to go to a funeral for a loved one or potentially spend the rest of your life in prison.”
The Independent reported that on Saturday, Johns made his first court appearance. He remains in jail with no bail amount set, with his next court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.
The names of the child and his stepfather have not yet been released.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Tyler Matthew Johns/Henderson PD]
