TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man who claimed self-defense in a road rage shooting on I-75 was charged after Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the Florida man’s claim was “not valid.”
A pickup truck driver was traveling through Alligator Alley on May 5 when he was cut off by an SUV, troopers said.
During road rage, shots were fired out of the SUV, according to troopers, who were able to verify that the back window of the SUV had been shot out.
Troopers learned Tuesday that Francisco Gonzalez, 44, of Lehigh Acres, was having his SUV serviced at a dealership, where they showed up to speak with him.
Gonzalez said he felt the pickup truck driver almost killed him and his family while driving in his lane, according to troopers. He said he “did what he did” to protect his family.
Troopers spoke with everyone involved and reviewed surveillance video and found that Gonzalez’s claim that he “‘stood his ground’ to protect his family was not valid,” FHP said.
Gonzalez was charged with three counts of felony discharging a firearm from a vehicle; three counts of felony shooting or throwing missile into dwelling, building, vehicle or aircraft; and three counts of felony aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, according to troopers.
Troopers urged drivers to avoid confrontation if they’re involved in road rage, and once safe, to call law enforcement.
