Shots fired during road rage incident on I-96 closes freeway at M-39 in Detroit

Drivers are being told to expect delays as troopers investigate
A Michigan State Police patrol car photographed on Friday, May 14, 2021, in Lansing.
A Michigan State Police patrol car photographed on Friday, May 14, 2021, in Lansing. Photo credit © Nick King/Lansing State Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

DETROIT (WWJ) - A road rage incident on the express lane of I-96 ended in gunfire Thursday morning officials say, effectively shutting down the freeway as police search the area for evidence.

Michigan State Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a Chrysler 200 was traveling east on I-96 near Wyoming Ave. at around 7:30 a.m. when tensions flared.

Troopers say a Dodge Charger with a 2014 body style and the Chrysler got involved in a road rage incident as the Chrysler was in the express lane.

The Dodge Charger got in front of the Chrysler and slammed on the breaks. The Chrysler moved into the middle lane as the Charger continued in the express lane, troopers said.

“The driver in the Chrysler 200 noticed the driver of the Dodge Charger, a heavy set, Black female, mid 30’s, reach across from the driver seat and fire at them with a black handgun,” MPS said in a press release.

The shots did not hit the victim or the victim’s car and did not appear to strike anything else.

Troopers said they will be closing eastbound I-96 at the Southfield Freeway as they search for shell casings. Drivers should seek alternative routes as delays are expected in the area.

Featured Image Photo Credit: © Nick King/Lansing State Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC