More than a dozen cars were targeted by gunfire while traveling along two major highways in Central Florida on New Year's Day, according to authorities and multiple news reports.
As of Friday, no injuries had been reported, and no suspects had been arrested. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police said at least 15 vehicles were shot at along eastbound Interstate 4 and northbound Interstate 95 near Deltona, DeLand and Daytona Beach on the night of the holiday.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said a BB or pellet gun was used and that it appeared to be fired from another vehicle that was on the road.
Many of the targeted vehicles were actually hit by projectiles.
Photographs and live video from the scenes showed multiple cars with side and rear windows shattered.
The first report about the shootings came in about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday along I-4 in Seminole County, police told local media.
Next, police received reports of gunfire along the eastbound lanes of I-95 as far north as Flagler County.
Most of the shootings occurred in Volusia County, according to the Miami Herald.
One eyewitness who was traveling I-4 near Deltona with his family said a brown pickup truck with tinted windows approached his car from the side, fired several rounds, then sped away.
Credit: VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Credit: VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
He told dispatchers his car was hit three times.
“And nothing happened prior to the shooting? Did they try to say anything? Was there road rage or anything like that?” the dispatcher asked, according to the Herald. “No,” the man said.
In another incident, a woman called 911 to report that one of the side windows of her van was blown out by gunfire on I-4 in Flagler County.
Another caller said his vehicle was shot on I-95 near Daytona Beach International Airport, the Herald reported.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office gave an update about the case on Facebook. “We will continue working with our partners in DeLand and Daytona and provide updates in the future as they’re available.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is also investigating.
— This is a developing story. Please return to AJC.com for updates.
About the Author