Suspect Arrested in Maple Grove Road Rage Shooting, Dispute Lasted 40 Miles
–This story was updated Wednesday, April 20, at 7:47 p.m.–
The Maple Grove Police Department have announced an arrest in the fatal roadway shooting of a Buffalo man on Easter Sunday.
Police say the shooting resulted from a dispute between two drivers that started near St. Cloud and lasted for more than 40 miles. It led to one driver shooting the other shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday at County Road 30 and Garland Lane North. Authorities had previously described the incident to CCX News as possible “road rage.”
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified the person shot and killed as William Haire, 61, of Buffalo. Haire died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was pronounced dead about two hours after the shooting at North Memorial Health Hospital.
Maple Grove police initially asked for the public’s help in the incident. A press release on Wednesday evening revealed that authorities quickly identified a suspect in the case.
According to police, the 30-year-old suspect turned himself in to the Maple Grove Police Department. He is currently being held at the Hennepin County jail. Charges in the case are pending.
“This is a tragic event for the family and loved ones of the victim along with the community,” read a statement provided by Maple Grove police. “There is no known ongoing risk to the public.”
Witnesses to police: drivers arguing before shot fired
Maple Grove police say someone had called 911 just before 3 p.m. Sunday and reported that two drivers were arguing near County Road 30 and Garland Lane North. Police say during the exchange one of the drivers pulled out a gun and shot at the other driver.
Both drivers left the scene. Later, police found Haire with a gunshot wound inside his vehicle. Officials say he crashed into some signs near Interstate Highway 94 and Maple Grove Parkway.
Maple Grove police say their investigation into the matter shows the drivers “had interactions” along the route that started near St. Cloud.
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CCX News reporter Sonya Goins contributed to this report.
