Menifee man arrested in connection with freeway shooting

A Menifee man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday in connection with a road rage shooting on the 15 Freeway on Friday, authorities said.

Carlos Leonardo Castro Martinez, 52, was arrested at his home and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and negligent discharge of a firearm. He has a court date on Wednesday in Riverside Superior Court.

The incident occurred about 5:10 p.m. on the 15 Freeway in Eastvale, according to a California Highway Patrol news release. Martinez was driving a silver Mercedes-Benz E320 and became involved in an incident with the driver of a silver Scion WB. Martinez shot the other driver, who survived, and fled the scene southbound on the 15 Freeway to the 60 Freeway.

CHP investigators obtained the license plate of Martinez’ vehicle and located him at his home. A search of his residence revealed evidence and the firearm believed to be used in the shooting.

“This investigation is still ongoing,” said Riverside Area Commander Capt. Levi Miller. “The California Highway Patrol takes aggressive driving and road rage seriously and will actively investigate these incidents. The CHP has highly trained personnel assigned to investigate all crimes occurring on our freeways.”

Any witnesses who may have observed this incident are encouraged to call CHP Officer Cuevas at 951-637-8000.