by HENDERSON, NV — An 11-year-old boy on his way to school was shot and killed Friday morning during what police described as a senseless road-rage encounter on a congested Las Vegas-area freeway. Authorities say the child died after a single gunshot fired during an argument between two drivers battling for position in heavy traffic.
11-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Freeway Confrontation
Henderson police said the shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Interstate 215 westbound, a busy stretch known as the Las Vegas Beltway. Tyler Matthew Johns, 22, was arrested at the scene and booked on charges of open murder and discharging a firearm at a vehicle.
“We lost a life today that we didn’t have to lose,” — Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader
Authorities say the child—whose name has not yet been released—was riding in the back seat on his way to school when the confrontation unfolded.
Police: Argument Escalated Into Deadly Violence
According to Chief Rader, the two drivers began “jockeying for positions” while attempting to pass one another in slow-moving traffic. One vehicle reportedly passed the other on the freeway shoulder. The drivers then rolled down their windows and exchanged heated words.
At that moment, police say, Johns pulled out a handgun and fired one round at the other vehicle. The bullet struck the 11-year-old passenger in the back seat, causing fatal injuries.
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Only the suspect had a firearm during the encounter, according to investigators.
Stepfather Rammed Suspect’s Vehicle
In the chaos that followed, the child’s stepfather deliberately rammed the suspect’s vehicle, causing both cars to come to a stop. A passing Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer was flagged down and quickly took Johns into custody.
Johns was later booked into jail without bond, online records show. It remains unclear whether he has retained legal counsel, and attempts to locate relatives for comment were unsuccessful.
Police Urge Calm as Holiday Traffic Approaches
At a press briefing, Chief Rader pleaded with the public to avoid escalating confrontations on the road—especially with the holiday season approaching.
“The holidays are coming up, and we usually have congestion and tempers run high,” Rader said.
“It is not worth it to engage in this type of behavior, on either party.”
He urged drivers to remain patient and remember their responsibility to protect one another on the road.
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