By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Thurston detectives are looking for a yellow mid to late 1970s pickup with primer on its hood after a Rochester man reported a road rage incident with gunfire exchanged yesterday.
The 32-year-old Rochester resident called 911 from home just before 2 p.m. to report what occurred, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, whose name was not released, said he was traveling on McCorkle Road Southeast when the pickup came up behind him and he heard what sounded like two gunshots, according to the sheriff’s office. The pickup then rear-ended his car, and his car’s back window shattered, Lt. Cliff Ziesemer said.
Ziesemer said the victim sped up to get away but the truck got up beside him and tried to run him off the road. The victim said he saw the passenger in the truck holding what looked like a pistol out the window.
As they approached Tilley Road Southeast on 113th Avenue, near Millersylvania State Park, the victim slowed, pointed his pistol out his window and fired several rounds, the leitenent said.
The bullets may have struck the grill of the yellow pickup, according to Ziesemer.
The victim sped away and drove home to Rochester to call 911, he said.
A flagger in the area said she didn’t hear any gunfire, but had to pull over twice when she saw the small red car and then the yellow truck coming at her. She said she observed a male about 30 years old in the truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies found five casings in the area where the victim said he fired his weapon.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating the 1970’s Ford pickup and its occupants.
The truck sat high and may have had a hitch on the front bumper.
If anyone has information, they are asked to please call detective Mitch King at 360-786-5517 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter