KANSAS CITY —A man has been charged in the fatal 'road rage' shooting of a Kansas City-area man near his home on Interstate 70, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.
Charles J. Smith, 18, Cape Girardeau, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.
According to court records, State Troopers responded to eastbound Interstate 70 near Oak Grove on Wednesday evening on a reported road rage incident.
Highway Patrol officers found a green Ford pickup that had crashed into a parked car on the outer road. The driver had been shot once. He later died of his wounds at the hospital.
Witnesses described a white Hyundai vehicle that had been involved in an incident with the truck.
Highway Patrol responded to sightings of the vehicle and used stop sticks to disable vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Smith, fled on foot and was eventually apprehended about 9:45 p.m. Smith told police he had been involved in an incident with the Ford that angered him and he fired a shot. He also admitted he tried to get rid of the gun.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said, "The Highway Patrol worked through the night Wednesday to ensure that the suspect in the shooting on Interstate 70 was apprehended."
"As a result, we have these charges in a totally needless act of violence with the highest range of punishment available under these facts. A family is now without an husband and father who was everything to them. Our roadways are necessary and busy with other travelers getting to their destinations. They must remain safe. Everyone should take note: take a breath, show some restraint, and let everyone get to their destination safely. "