A terrifying incident of road rage unfolded in Delaware County when a man opened fire on an SUV carrying a woman and her 10-year-old nephew. The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight on West Chester Pike, left the vehicle riddled with 13 bullet holes.
Fortunately, despite the intense gunfire, neither the woman nor the child was hit, although the driver did sustain a minor injury to her arm. The suspect, 30-year-old Shawn Moses of Drexel Hill, was swiftly apprehended by the Upper Darby police and is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.
The Incident: A Chain of Events
The incident took place near Barnaby’s, a popular nightspot in Havertown, and close to the entrance and exit routes to the Blue Route. The situation escalated rapidly in the afternoon, in front of numerous witnesses.
According to sources close to the investigation, the conflict may have started with a minor accident. Although the exact location of the accident is still under investigation, it is believed that after the initial collision, one vehicle followed the other, leading to the eventual confrontation.
Witnesses reported that the suspect’s vehicle, a black Lincoln Continental, pulled into the path of the woman’s white Jeep Cherokee.
At this point, Moses allegedly opened fire on the SUV, striking the vehicle 14 times, with 13 of the bullets hitting the hood and one penetrating the windshield. Despite being shot in the arm, the woman managed to remain composed enough to get the suspect’s license plate number, which was crucial in leading the police to the shooter.
Police Response and Arrest
The police response to the shooting was swift and effective. Upper Darby police were able to capture Moses just 16 minutes after the shooting. The suspect was found with the weapon used in the attack, a Glock pistol, which was lying in plain sight on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Sources have confirmed that Moses had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, although the gun was not concealed at the time of the shooting.
After the license plate number was broadcasted to nearby police departments, Radnor PD received a hit from a tag reader that had detected the suspect’s vehicle still heading eastbound on West Chester Pike. This information was relayed to Upper Darby police, who then apprehended Moses at the intersection of West Chester Pike and State Road. The victim, despite her injuries, was able to positively identify Moses as the shooter.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
As of the latest reports, Shawn Moses has not yet been formally arraigned or charged, but these legal procedures are expected to take place the following morning. He is facing serious charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and several weapons charges.
The fact that 14 shots were fired at close range, with 13 hitting the SUV, underscores the severity of the attack. Investigators noted that the Glock pistol used by Moses holds 17 rounds, suggesting that he nearly emptied the entire magazine during the incident.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The incident has left the local community in shock, particularly given its occurrence in a typically quiet area in the middle of the afternoon. Witnesses and residents have expressed disbelief that such a violent episode could unfold in their neighborhood. Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the potential role of the earlier accident in triggering the road rage.
This incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the potentially deadly consequences when firearms are involved. The quick response by law enforcement, the bravery of the injured driver in identifying the suspect, and the fortunate outcome where no lives were lost are notable aspects of this otherwise harrowing event.
As the legal process moves forward, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and reflecting on the thin line between everyday encounters and life-threatening violence on the roads.
