INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police are putting out a warning after seeing an increase in road rage incidents around Indianapolis.
So far this year, troopers have investigated 30 incidents of gunfire on Indianapolis interstate highways. The majority were connected to road rage.
Compare that to 2018, when ISP investigated nine interstate shootings around Indianapolis. There were nine again in 2019 and then a jump to 23 in 2020.
“We analyze the data and have a crime analyst that works full time with our investigators to try and develop a pattern and we do see some patterns that allow us to target specific patrols to those areas. However, the vast majority of these are believed to be started by road rage that can happen anywhere,” said ISP Sgt. John Perrine.
One of the 30 interstate shootings this year around Indianapolis turned deadly. Troopers arrested 28-year-old Antonio King on the charge of murder for his alleged role in a March 31 shooting on I-65 near Lafayette Road.
Last week, troopers arrested 30-year-old Martez Jolly of Kansas City, Missouri for criminal recklessness on I-70 near Post Road. Jolly, with children in his car, allegedly fired at least one shot at another car. That bullet hit the dashboard of the alleged victim’s car. Police caught up to Jolly on I-70 in Hancock County and arrested him.
Troopers are urging people to be patient and courteous and immediately call 911 if they witness road rage. If you do, try to have a description of the vehicles and a license plate number if possible.
“Our goal is to not create any type of fear. We want people to stay vigilant while they are driving and discourage any type of road rage encounter because you never know who is in that other vehicle,” said Perrine.
“Road rage incidents can lead to violent encounters, but what’s even more alarming is the increase number of these encounters leading to gunfire on our interstates,” he added.
State police also released some guidelines if you find yourself a target of road rage:
- Remain calm, agitation or counter aggressive maneuvers can escalate the situation
- Drive away from the aggressor by using a turn signal to change lanes, allowing the aggressor to pass, exit the highway, stop in a well-lit populated area
- If stopped in traffic or in an area where you must stop due to a stop sign or stop light ensure all of your car doors are locked and leave yourself a path of escape
- Immediately report the incident to police by calling 911 (Indiana Hands Free Law allows you to use a cell phone while driving to report an emergency to 911)