Law enforcement has arrested two individuals in connection with the reported road rage shooting of a deaf man in Indiana.
Authorities report that Ryan Hawkins, aged 35, was shot in the neck on May 1 while driving on Interstate 65. WRTV disclosed this information.The Hyundai Elantra driven by Hawkins veered off the highway and into a pond subsequent to the shooting, as per WISH. WISH made this report..
Evidence of gunshots was discovered on the side of Hawkins' car.
Witnesses informed the police that it seemed Hawkins was attempting to escape from the suspect’s Ford Explorer, according to WRTV. However, the SUV accelerated alongside him, and the driver fired shots.
According to eyewitnesses and traffic cameras, investigators were able to identify the SUV and its driver. The driver was not named by WRTV, but WISH identified the individual as 24-year-old Andre Briski, who has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The suspect reportedly confessed, telling the police, “I’ll tell you right here, I did it. I didn’t mean to, I was afraid that we were going to crash and die,” as reported by WRTV.
The alleged shooter claimed that Hawkins had been intentionally slowing down in front of him, but upon being informed by the police that eyewitness testimony did not support his account, he declined to provide further information and requested legal representation.
The second individual arrested, identified as Shawna Rowland by WISH, faces charges of aiding a criminal and obstructing justice.
WISH has identified the second person taken into custody as Shawna Rowland, who has been charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Hawkins graduated from Gallaudet University in 2013, which is the sole liberal arts college for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States.
The institution released a statement, expressing, “Mr. Hawkins was an active and involved student and a loyal alumnus. His sister is an alumna, and his brother is a current student. We mourn with his family, and wish them peace and comfort.”
[Featured image: Ryan Hawkins/family handout]