KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Mo., Police Chief Darryl Forte said Friday that investigators have connected 12 of the approximately 20 highway shootings.
While he would not reveal what the common link is nor which of the shootings have been linked, he did say that one of the previously shootings has been eliminated.
It is the incident that happened on April 5, which started on I-49/US Highway 71 in the area of Red Bridge Road and ended on I-435 and Bannister Road. This incident has been attributed to road rage. The victim stated that a car cut him off on the highway, and the occupants began waving their middle fingers at him, showed a gun and fired one shot.
Chief Forte said as the investigation continues, the time frame of shootings has expanded.
“We’re looking even into last year, 2013,” he said. “We can’t say with certainty, again, as we speak they’re looking at analyzing additional information.”
Chief Forte said that at this point, there is nothing to indicate the shootings are gang related, nor are they racially motivated. There have been black and white victims.
The reward has been increased from $7,000 to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the highway shooter or shooters.
Chief Forte is asking for the public’s help, saying, “tips will solve this.” If you have any information, or see anything suspicious, please call the TIPS Hotline at 474-TIPS.
