Two injured in car-on-car shooting on I-80 in Placer County

PLACER COUNTY – Authorities say Friday night's car-to-car shooting on Interstate 80 near Auburn that left two people injured was an isolated incident.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers received a report of a shooting on the west side of the highway east of Maple Street shortly before 9 p.m.

According to the victims, someone from another vehicle shot at their vehicle – two people were injured. The victims managed to get to a gas station right next to the highway and called 911.

Both injured people were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive, CHP said.

The exact circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation, but road rage is being considered as a possibility and CHP noted that the incident appears to be an isolated incident.

At this point in the investigation, no details have been released about the suspect or his vehicle. CHP is still searching for possible video footage.

Shootings on highways in California

CHP is working to reduce highway shootings. The latest statistics from the CHP show a significant decline in highway shootings in recent years.

During the pandemic in 2021, the number of highway shootings rose to 471 cases. However, by 2023, that number dropped to 274.

Officials advise anyone traveling on the highway during a shooting to remain calm, be a good witness, write down all details such as the description or license plate of the vehicle, move to a safe distance and call 911.