A road rage incident in Poinciana left two men injured Tuesday afternoon, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the incident began around 4:00 p.m. when they responded to reports of a shooting victim at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a black Ford Expedition with its right rear passenger window shot out and the front right window damaged. Inside, a 40-year-old male driver and his 39-year-old cousin were being treated for gunshot wounds.
The driver sustained a grazing bullet wound, while his cousin was shot in the face. The cousin was later airlifted to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. The driver was treated and released from the hospital.
After interviewing the driver, detectives determined that the Expedition was traveling along Cypress Parkway when the road rage incident began. Both vehicles eventually came to a stop, and the suspect exited his car and began yelling at the 40-year-old driver, who had also exited his vehicle.
The suspect then threatened the driver with a firearm. The victim quickly returned to his SUV and continued driving, but as the Expedition turned onto Marigold Avenue, the suspect fired three shots at the vehicle. The driver immediately drove to the hospital for help.
“This is an ongoing problem not only here in Osceola County but in Central Florida—road rage,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kim Montes. “You cannot let your emotions take over when you’re driving. Whether someone cuts you off intentionally or not, we cannot allow anger to escalate into violence like this.”
Detectives are still working to identify the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
