A motorcyclist accused of opening fire at a semi truck driver in a fit of road rage could be facing life in prison. The incident occurred on September 16th on Interstate 94 near mile marker 24 in Lincoln Township, Michigan.
A preliminary hearing that took place on Tuesday revealed that truck driver Allen Shotko was the victim the shooting. According to his testimony, Shotko was driving in the middle lane when an enraged motorcyclist pulled up beside him and gestured for him to pull over.
When the trucker did not pull over, the motorcyclist, 34-year-old Trenton Norris put his motorcycle in cruise control, pulled out a gun from his jacket, and shot at Shotko’s truck twice. Shotko stated that the second shot appeared to be a deliberate aim.
Although the truck driver was not hurt, a bullet hole was discovered in the truck’s radiator. When Norris was arrested, he admitted to the shooting but commented that he never intended to harm the trucker. Norris explained that he was angry after being cut off.
The Herald Palladium reported that Norris was originally charged assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon and weapons felony firearms.
However, after hearing his testimony, the Prosecutor asked to amend the charge to assault with intent to murder. The judge agreed that there enough probable cause to amend the charges. Norris was dismissed of the concealed weapons charge as he was found to own a valid concealed carry license. All other charges remain.
Under Michigan law, Norris may face life imprisonment for a charge of assault with intent to murder if found guilty.
