Two California men were killed Saturday after a hit-and-run incident escalated into a shootout in front of one of the men’s young child, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said.
According to police, Jonathan McConnell, 38, of Corona, and Aaron Harris, 37, of Highland, were shot to death by each other after McConnell’s motorcycle collided with Harris’ sedan on the 210 Freeway around 8 p.m. Said in news release.
Harris ended up chasing McConnell with her two children, ages 2 and 5, in the back seat.
According to the sheriff’s office, McConnell continued driving the motorcycle until he got off the highway and parked in the parking lot of Joy’s Lounge on Baseline Road in Highland.
While the biker was meeting “several acquaintances” outside the bar, Harris stopped his car and began shouting “threatening” comments at McConnell.
“As McConnell approached the vehicle, Harris fired a firearm at McConnell, who returned fire,” police said.
Both shooters were later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Another man at the scene sustained fatal injuries to his hand, but everyone else was physically unharmed.
“It could have been something so simple and unfortunately, instead it cost two people their lives,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said. Said Korea ABC.
“We all get pissed on the roads sometimes, especially with the amount of traffic and stuff going on these days,” Rodriguez said, “but this is a great example of how things can go wrong really quickly.”
This tragic incident has left two young children fatherless and will undoubtedly cause harm to their families and friends.
Harris’ sister, Crystal, Created One GoFundMe A page to raise funds for his funeral.
“My brother was a bit of a jerk but he was a great father, a family man and always willing to help when needed,” Crystal wrote, calling the July 27 shooting “a very traumatic event.”
“Our family is hurt by this incident and we are saddened by the loss of our son,” his grieving sister added.
Recent Data analysis From Forbes reveal California is one of the worst states for road rage, having the “most confrontational drivers,” ranking third in cutting off, fourth in insults, and seventh in tailgating.
