Man suffers gunshot wound in road rage incident on 215

One man was injured and two others were arrested on multiple charges including attempted murder after an apparent road rage incident on the 215 Freeway last Thursday, the California Highway Patrol announced today.

According to a news release, a 50-year-old Perris man was shot in the hand after he "exchanged hand gestures" with another driver while traveling southbound on the freeway just north of Newport Road in Menifee shortly before 10 p.m. The victim reported that during the confrontation, the other driver raised a "dark colored object which resembled a gun" and the victim heard three shots, then saw blood spatter in his vehicle.

After slowing to let the other vehicle go ahead, the victim reportedly followed the suspect vehicle, a black and gray 2002 Toyola Sequoia, saw the license plate and called 911. The victim followed the suspect vehicle as it exited the freeway at Clinton Keith Road, then re-entered the southbound freeway lanes. Using information provided by the victim, Sheriff's deputies located the suspect vehicle shortly afterward.

The victim was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound to his left hand. The male suspect driver was identified as Eddie Robert Island, Jr., 39, of Highland. The female passenger was identified as Heather Shauna O'Brien, 26, of Rialto. Both were booked at Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, felony theft and possession of a controlled substance.

The victim was not identified. No other details were released.