Shootings Terrorize Southern California Freeways
Courtesy of FOX 11 Los Angeles
Southern California residents are facing danger as they travel the freeways, as an increase in shootings has proven to be problematic.
May 25, 2021
Since late April, there have been at least 80 incidents of cars being shot at while traveling on Southern California freeways (California Highway Patrol).
According to ABC7 News, “A large majority of them have happened along the 91 Freeway, spanning from east of the 15 Freeway and all the way out toward the 605 Freeway.” There have been no injuries so far, but authorities are still unsure as to who is committing these crimes and there remains no solid lead.
On March 20, there were at least eight more freeway shootings reported, with one taking place on the 91 Freeway near Green River Road in Corona. The SUV driver was on her way to work when she heard an explosion sound, only to find out that the back window of her vehicle was shot at, leaving it shattered.
She told ABC7 News that she, “didn’t know what was going on. First, [she] heard like it was on top of [her] car… on the roof, but then [she] checked [her] rear view window and [she] saw [her] back window shattered. Right away, [she] just called 911. [she didn’t] know what it was, [she] didn’t see anything around [her].”
She also told authorities that she did not get a look at the suspect, as there was a lot of traffic and other drivers were driving normally as nothing had happened (ABC7 News).
In a similar case, the driver of a Cadillac Escalade was also fired at near Corona on that same morning as the SUV driver. He waited until he reached Anaheim to report the incident to the authorities.
The CHP stresses the importance of reporting information as quickly as possible in this case, as time is of the essence.
Officer Florentino Olivera explained that “What’s happening is people continue driving. By the time they come to a stop, say five or 10 miles away, they’ll call 911…we don’t even have the exact location anymore. We have an approximate location, but it helps if someone were to pull over immediately” (ABC7 News).
He also added that cars with a Bluetooth feature should utilize that to report incidents immediately after they happen so it is easier to identify the perpetrator (ABC7 News).
Since Yorba Linda High School students and staff often frequent these freeways that are being targeted, the danger of these crimes is directly affecting attendees. Patrick Song (12) explained that he has “been avoiding freeways as much as [he] can.”
As of right now, there are still no leads, but if involved in one of these freeway shootings, remember to report it shortly after, as long as it is safe.
Fiona Salisbury • Jun 7, 2021 at 9:34 PM
It’s so scary to hear that these shootings are happening! Great article!
Karina Shah • Jun 6, 2021 at 5:55 PM
As someone who just started going to drive on freeways, it is such a scary thought that I could be getting into situations like these.
danielle huizar • Jun 3, 2021 at 8:10 AM
These shootings are scaring me to go out and drive. Thanks for informing us with this article.
Suhani Bhanvadia • Jun 3, 2021 at 7:37 AM
These situations are so scary and hard to control. Reporting these events as soon as possible may be the difference in finding those responsible.
Tiana Salisbury • Jun 2, 2021 at 9:59 PM
After hearing about these local freeway shootings, I have also been hesitant when driving on the freeway. Thank you for writing this article!
Emma Perron • Jun 2, 2021 at 9:59 AM
Hearing about this makes me sick and it is sad. I hate driving on the freeway now and it scares me. Great job writing this article.
Kayden Mandley • May 31, 2021 at 1:54 PM
It’s scary to hear something like this is taking place so close to home. Ever since I heard about these shootings I haven’t been driving on the freeway. This is a very well written news article, Riley!