Vancouver – Police are urging motorists not to get into arguments while driving after a suspected road rage incident took the life of a city man identified as 33-year-old Willis Charles Hunt.
Hunt was shot dead at 1:30 a.m. Friday while driving near Bridgeway Street just under the Ironworker’s Memorial Bridge. His female companion, 32, suffered minor physical injuries and was treated and released from hospital.
Arguments between motorists can escalate into physical altercations rapidly. A person being shot dead as a result of road rage is rare, but does illustrate the dangers of getting hot-headed.
“It is still very early in this investigation and our detectives are working to confirm the circumstances that led to this man’s death,” said VPD Const. Jason Doucette.
“We are reminding anyone who may find themselves involved in a road rage incident to remain calm, not to engage the occupants of the other vehicle, and to call 9-1-1 if you feel your safety could be at risk,” he said.
“Based on the available information, this homicide was likely the result of a road rage incident between the victim, driving in a grey Toyota Matrix, and the suspect, who was in a white sedan,” he added.
No one has been arrested and no details were available on Saturday about the victim.
Homicide detectives are again asking anyone with dash cam video who may have been driving in the area of McGill and Renfrew Streets between 1:30 and 2:00 Friday morning, or anyone who may have information about this incident, to contact investigators at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
