Hays County authorities are searching for the driver of a vehicle who displayed, and then later discharged, a firearm during a reported road rage incident on U.S. Highway 290 near Dripping Springs.
According to Hays County officials, deputies responded to the incident that took place at 8:50 a.m. Nov. 21 in the 3300 block of U.S. 290 near South Canyonwood Drive.
The suspected vehicle was described as a red Jeep Liberty or Renegade, according to a post of the HCSO Facebook page.
The vehicle was reported to have a child’s car seat in it, as well as a “turtle” sticker on the back window. The driver was described as a white male who was wearing a baseball cap and had red or blonde facial hair.
During the altercation, the driver of the Jeep displayed, and then allegedly discharged, a handgun. The vehicle was last seen traveling east on U.S. 290 into Travis County.
The vehicle was reported to have a child’s car seat in it, as well as a “turtle” sticker on the back window. The driver was described as a white male who was wearing a baseball cap and had red or blonde facial hair.
Dennis Gutierrez, HCSO public information officer, said county officials maintain an active investigation into the incident.
However, Gutierrez said the HCSO has not fielded a similar road rage incident similar to Nov. 21 “in a long time.”
“I can’t remember if we have had a road rage incident like that,” Gutierrez said. “It’s not something that is so common that happens all the time.”
However, Gutierrez said the HCSO has noticed driving habits on area roadways, especially on Highway 290 in Dripping Springs, have become more aggressive over the years.
Gutierrez cited the influx of traffic along U.S. 290 within Hays County’s borders, which is also mixed with the increase of impatient drivers.
“People are not being as patient as in the past because of the number of cars on the roadway,” Gutierrez said.
The 11-mile stretch of U.S. 290 in Hays County makes it a challenge for deputies to police the roadway at all times, Gutierrez said.
“That’s a big stretch of road, it’s difficult to run traffic on it because it’s so heavily populated,” Gutierrez said.
There are steps drivers can take if they find themselves in a road rage situation.
Gutierrez said avoiding contact with the other driver is a critical point. He said making eye contact informs an angry driver that they have a person’s attention.
Drivers should then slow down and move over, if possible, to get away from the aggressor.
Motorists should call 911 if they feel threatened, or if the aggressor continues to follow them. Gutierrez said drivers should try to find a location that’s well lit and to inform dispatchers of what is taking place.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Detective R. Hayden, at (512) 393-7814 or email at ryan.hayden@co.hays.tx.us or you may contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477).
