FHP: Shootings on interstate in county are rare

Monday night incident was fourth in past two years, spokesman says.

WEST PALM BEACH — A shooting on Interstate 95 that wounded a 19-year-old man Monday night was at least the second this year involving gunfire along the interstate in Palm Beach County and at least the fourth in the last two years, records show.

Three of those incidents took place within the city limits during nighttime hours, and one of the four was fatal, resulting in the death of former American Heritage High School football standout Greg Bryant Jr. a year ago this Sunday. The fourth took place in the Lantana area Feb. 8.

Sgt. Mark Wysocky, a spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol, stressed Wednesday that shooting incidents on the highway — by far the most heavily traveled road in the count y — are rare and rarely occur at ran- dom. There is no evidence that drivers on I-95 face any risk to their safety, Wysocky said.

Wysocky cautioned that any threat should be repor ted to authorities immediately and drivers should avoid confrontations, particularly in situations where road rage may be involved, he said.

“If something happens, don’t retaliate,” he said. “Don’t make any gestures. Just move out of the person’s way, so it doesn’t escalate.”

Authorities say the most recent incident occurred in West Palm Beach as an unidentified teen drove north on I-95 near Forest Hill Boulevard, across the highway from where Bryant was shot. According to authorities, the shooting occurred between 10 and 11:30 p.m. when a vehicle pulled up on the driver side of the victim’s car.

At least one person from that vehicle — its color, make and year are unknown — fired multiple shots into the teen’s car, according to Wysocky.