[davidd]

Was watching the news tonight (i live one hour from daytona) and they were talking about the road rage associated /w heavy daytona 500 traffic. Turns out, three guys jumped out and shot a 36 year old teacher/coach on I-4 last night on the way back from the race. Don't know the details, but another one of those senseless crimes. It's amazing how quickly so many of the dirt bags in the world today will take your life in a split second, for nothing.

[RNB65]

Sounds like there was plenty of stupidity all around on both sides. A verbal confrontation escalated into a physical confrontation which then escalated into an armed confrontation. First rule in a fist fight -- don't do it when you're outnumbered. First rule in a gun fight -- bring a gun. Sounds like the Houk brothers broke both rules.

Daytona Beach News-Journal

3 arrested in deadly I-4 road rage shooting

By LYDA LONGA
STAFF WRITER

DELAND -- A young man's first time at the Daytona 500 ended tragically Sunday night when he was shot to death on Interstate 4 as he headed home to Tampa.

A relative of Eric Houk said today that the 36-year-old Land O' Lakes resident had never been to the popular event but went this year with his older brother Michael.

"We are trying to grieve, I'd like to have some time with my sister," said the relative, who would not give his name this morning.

Seminole County Sheriff's deputies arrested three men as they headed west on I-4 after the 9:20 p.m. shooting. The trio - David P. Edwards, Ronlee A. Harvin and Charles Onasanya all of Jacksonville - had their first appearance in Seminole County Court this afternoon, and were being held without bail, said Seminole County Sheriff's spokeswoman Kim Cannaday. The men, none of whom have a criminal background, will be transferred to the Volusia County Branch Jail, Cannaday said.

Volusia Sheriff's officials said the shooting was sparked by road rage.

According to a police report, the Houk brothers were headed west on I-4 just after 9 p.m. after attending the race. Suddenly, traffic came to a halt ahead of the Houks' white Toyota pick up and Eric Houk, at the wheel, was forced to swerve into the emergency lane.

As he did so, however, he mistakenly cut off a Ford Explorer that been whizzing along the emergency lane. The SUV was being driven by suspect Onasanya. Angry at being blocked, Onasanya drove around Houk's truck and he and his three passengers got out of the SUV, the report shows. The Houks also got out of their truck and an argument ensued.

Michael Houk told investigators that as the argument escalated and turned physical, one of Onasanya's passengers, a woman, yelled out "get the gun."

Onasanya ran to his SUV to get a gun belonging to Harvin and upon returning, pointed it at Eric Houk, the report shows. In the commotion though, Onasanya dropped the gun and it was quickly retrieved by Harvin, who then handed it to Edwards.

Edwards told police that in an effort to break up the scuffle, he fired one shot into the air. That's when he said Eric Houk began walking toward him.

Although he acknowledged that Eric Houk was not armed and was not threatening in any way, Edwards peeled off another two rounds, striking Erik Houk once in the stomach, the report shows. Edwards said he knew he had injured the victim because he heard him scream out that he had been shot.

Seconds later, the three suspects and the woman, whose name was not released, took off heading west on I-4, police said. Michael Houk attempted to block them by standing in front of the vehicle, but he was struck as the Ford sped away, police said.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found a large gathering of people near the Houks' pick up, as well as Michael Houk on his knees trying to revive his sibling.

Eric Houk was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand where he was pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m., the report shows.

Volusia County Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said Edwards was charged with second-degree murder, while suspects Harvin and Onasanya were each charged with principle to second-degree murder.

[ArchAngelCD]

I wonder why they didn't charge the woman? She was the one that yelled, "Get The Gun."

[Lucky]

I wonder why anyone would say the belligerent man advancing on them that they've just shot was not threatening in any way? Regardless of whether he was right or wrong to shoot the guy, did Edwards make a boo-boo and have a long discussion with le gendarmes without his lawyer?

[Stachie]

Unfortunate and regretable. That whole situation should never have happened. I would never get out of my vehicle in a situation like that; only trouble and violence will ensue. I would like to add my opinion that a lawfully concealed weapon would have served him well.

[davidd]

I suspect he didn't swerve into the emergency lane to avoid an accident, but like many, when you are stuck in traffic while others are blowing by you in the emergency lane, it makes you want to cut them off. These days, right or wrong, that's asking for a confrontation. I'm sure these guys were not law abiding citizens with their CWP.

[Ala Dan]

that the wordly situations have gotten to this level. Hell YES, I believe in
captial punishment-

Bring Back The Electric Chair~!

[OH25shooter]

I suspect he didn't swerve into the emergency lane to avoid an accident, but like many, when you are stuck in traffic while others are blowing by you in the emergency lane, it makes you want to cut them off.

How do you know that? I hope you don't believe what is written in the press regarding the true facts of a crime scene.

[Sniper X]

A few things come to mind.

1. Don't let your emothions turn a traffic problem into a deadly confrontation.

2. Don't ever get out of your car in a road rage incident, see number one.

3. People using a gun against someone who is not threatning their life is as bad as a criminal using one to hold up a grocery store! Almost makes me madder as they are suppposed to be responseable.