The man killed in a confrontation on Highway 74 that turned into a deadly shootout near Pinyon Pines the afternoon of Tuesday, June 2, was identified Thursday by the Riverside County Coroner.
The California Highway Patrol has confirmed two drivers who were involved in a dispute in a construction zone fired handguns at each other. Midway City resident Gabriel Rodriguez, 52, was pronounced dead at Desert Regional Medical Center.
“An armed confrontation occurred between the occupants of the vehicles,” CHP Officer Omar Morales said. “Investigators believe both the victim and the suspect fired their (guns) during the incident.”
The shooting occurred around 2:09 p.m. between the communities of Ribbonwood and Pinyon Pines, according to police.
Morales said a tow truck driver and motorists in two other vehicles had a confrontation in a construction zone near South Palm Canyon Drive. The motorists continued westbound on the highway until a collision occurred.
CHP says Rodriguez is suspected of starting the fight. Police have not identified the other motorists.
Deputies took another man suspected of being involved in the shooting into custody, but released him the same day after questioning.
“Investigators have identified all known parties involved, and there are no outstanding suspects,” Morales said.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the CHP’s Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Sam Morgen covers local government for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Man who died in Highway 74 road dispute identified
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
