Motorist Arrested In Armed Highway 24 Confrontation With Tow Truck Driver
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- A motorist was in custody early Wednesday after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a Caltrans tow truck driver and fired shots in the air on Highway 24 outside the Caldecott Tunnel, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Carlton said the altercation came after Caltrans dispatched a tow truck to assist a distressed motorist at around 2 a.m. in the westbound direction of Highway 24 at the tunnel.
"He (the motorist) was noticeably upset and engaged in a verbal altercation with the Caltrans employee," Carlton told KPIX 5. "Shortly thereafter, he (the motorist) drew a gun from his waistband, pointed it at the Caltrans employee and ended up firing a few rounds. Thankfully not at the Caltrans employee, but fired the rounds into the air."
Carlton said the Caltrans tow truck driver fled for his life and called 911 for help.
Investigators said the motorist - who was arrested early Wednesday at his residence - had pulled over to the center median just west of the tunnel while awaiting assistance for a flat tire.
The CHP said a friend of the motorist then came to the scene, picked up the motorist and fled the scene. The suspect wasn't identified and the Caltrans employee wasn't injured.
Carlton said the suspect will be facing charges of brandishing a weapon and other counts. He added that investigators were examining cameras located along the freeway to see if they captured any images of the incident.
The busy freeway was shut down for about 90 minutes before it was reopened at 4:10 a.m.