A weekend drive took a terrifying turn for a family traveling on an interstate in Alabama when a man on a motorcycle, dressed in biker attire and wearing a “bullet-resistant vest” underneath, approached and opened fire on them with a pistol, as reported by local authorities.
“The gunfire struck the victim’s vehicle, endangering the lives of the occupants,” the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday in a press release.
Jason Johnson, 30, from Centerville, Tennessee, faces serious charges including three counts of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into a vehicle occupied by individuals. Authorities reportedly discovered loaded magazines and a firearm in his possession.
During the incident, Johnson reportedly donned a vest associated with a motorcycle organization characterized by authorities as involved in various criminal activities, boasting more than 65 chapters nationwide.
Authorities announced on Sunday that a shooting incident occurred on Interstate 65 near Mile Marker 347. The sheriff’s office reported, “A 911 caller reported that a man on a motorcycle fired shots at him and his family while they were traveling northbound,”
“Following the alert issued with a detailed description of the suspect, troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) located the individual approximately 10 miles from the scene. Limestone County Deputies responded to assist with the traffic stop,” the report stated.
Authorities have yet to disclose the reason behind the shooting.
According to the LCSO release, Johnson’s arrest was made “based on evidence and witness statements.” No bond has been established for his release at this time.
“This reckless violence has no place on our highways,” said Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin in a statement. “We are thankful no innocent lives were lost, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the public’s safety.”
A hearing regarding Aniah’s Law, where judges in Alabama will consider the possibility of denying bail for defendants accused of specific violent offenses, is set to occur at a future date.
