July 4 road rage incident lasted 20 minutes
An alleged road rage incident that sent a family to the hospital after gunfire ignited fireworks in their car stretched nearly 20 minutes when the accused gunman went home briefly before returning to confront the father in a store parking lot, according to prosecutors.
The 18-year-old suspected gunman, Bayron Rivera, told investigators he was angry with the father of two young children because he called Rivera a vulgar name, prosecutors said during a probable cause hearing Monday. Rivera’s 16-year-old girlfriend was with him in the vehicle during the incident.
According to prosecutors, the other driver pulled out in front of Rivera while exiting a Fiesta Mart parking lot at West Mt. Houston Road and Veterans Memorial Drive, after buying fireworks. The two exchanged words at a nearby traffic light, authorities said.
Afterward, prosecutors said, Rivera briefly followed the father’s pickup, which turned into a Walgreens. Rivera’s girlfriend told prosecutors they went to Rivera’s home for a few minutes before the defendant told her they were going back out.
Prosecutors said Rivera drove back to the Walgreens, where the other driver had stopped to buy diapers. After leaving the Walgreens, the man noticed Rivera’s car was following him, and he pulled into a convenience store parking lot.
According to Rivera’s girlfriend, the two men exchanged words and the other driver appeared to reach for something inside his truck, prompting Rivera to grab a gun from his backseat, prosecutors said.
Investigators said after seeing Rivera retrieve the gun, the father got back in his truck and tried to drive way. Prosecutors said Rivera fired several shots at the moving vehicle, causing the fireworks in back to ignite and catch the truck on fire. The exploding fireworks and fire injured the parents and two small children inside.
The children, 1- and 2years-old, were scheduled to undergo surgeries Monday, authorities said.
Authorities said Rivera turned himself in Sunday night and expressed remorse for his actions.
He is charged with four counts of aggravated assault. His bail was set at $30,000 on each count.