Dallas (1080 KRLD) - Three shootings attributed to "road rage" were reported in Dallas this weekend, and police say they are planning a "more visible" presence on the highways as a result. Dallas Police had already started a special operation targeting road rage drivers after a series of five shootings earlier in June.
"It's all about visibility," says Chief Eddie Garcia. "People have to take a deep breath before they go this route. Obviously, it's just tragic. Innocent lives and victims. We need to be more visible and make sure our community knows we're out there and we're watching."
Friday night, a pregnant woman was shot near Loop 12 and Highway 175 in Southeast Dallas. Police say the woman's boyfriend was driving, and another car cut them off. They say someone in the other car started shooting and hit the woman in the head.
She was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but her baby was delivered safely.
Sunday night, police were called to two shootings attributed to road rage along Spur 408. About 10:00 p.m., they say a car was shot near Kiest Boulevard.
They say the driver pulled off at Mountain Creek Parkway and called 911. Police a passenger in the car was shot in the hand and should recover.
While they investigated that shooting, police received another call about a car that had been hit and had pulled into a gas station nearby. No one was injured in that case.
"They're tragic incidents. They've been very random," Garcia says. "This department is being as proactive as we possibly can. We're conducting some operations on our roadways. We're having [public service announcements] about the issue as well. It's something we're definitely concerned about, but the randomness of it is something that's alarming."
Garcia says investigators have not found a sign the incidents are connected. He encourages drivers to "remain calm and turn the other cheek" if they encounter an aggressive driver.
"Don't try to go back and follow the vehicle. Just let it happen and go on your way because you may end up dealing with the wrong individual," Garcia says. "When we find these individuals, we have to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I'm not making any secret about the fact when we find criminals who are doing this crime to our community, we're going to catch them."
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