Milwaukee Man Charged in Road Rage Shooting

A Milwaukee man’s road rage allegedly escalated to gunfire on I-43, leading to his arrest and multiple charges.

At a Glance

A 21-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for an alleged road rage shooting on I-43 in Mequon.
The suspect allegedly fired a shot into another vehicle during the altercation, although no injuries were reported.
The incident led to a temporary highway closure and a multi-agency investigation.
The suspect faces charges including recklessly endangering safety and firearm-related offenses.

Road Rage Turns Violent on Milwaukee Highway

A routine drive on Interstate 43 in Mequon turned dangerous when a road rage incident escalated into gunfire. On a seemingly normal day, at approximately 10:52 a.m., tensions between two drivers reached a boiling point north of Highway W on the northbound lanes of I-43. The situation quickly spiraled out of control when one driver, identified as 21-year-old Cam’ron Bardney from Milwaukee, allegedly fired a shot from his 2012 blue Ford Fusion into a 2011 gray Toyota Tundra.

The bullet struck the Tundra’s front passenger-side door, coming to rest on the center console. Miraculously, the driver of the Tundra, who was alone in the vehicle, escaped unharmed. Witnesses reported observing a road rage incident between the two vehicles prior to the shooting, indicating a rapid escalation of hostilities on the busy highway.

Man fires shot into another car in 'road rage' incident on I-43 in Mequon, authorities say https://t.co/EBbVoDWBxI

— Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) October 10, 2024

Swift Law Enforcement Response

Following the incident, law enforcement agencies sprang into action. Authorities quickly located the suspect’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, they discovered a firearm in the center console of Bardney’s Ford Fusion, linking him directly to the shooting. The rapid response and coordination between multiple police departments led to Bardney’s swift apprehension, potentially preventing further dangerous incidents.

The investigation’s scope necessitated the closure of I-43 northbound lanes between County Line Road and Mequon Road for approximately 45 minutes. This closure, while inconvenient for travelers, allowed investigators to thoroughly examine the scene and gather crucial evidence. The highway reopened around 2:30 p.m., restoring normal traffic flow after the harrowing event.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation

The severity of Bardney’s alleged actions is reflected in the charges he now faces. These include first-degree recklessly endangering safety, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and possession of THC – second offense. These charges underscore the gravity of road rage incidents and the potential legal ramifications for those who escalate traffic disputes to violent confrontations.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are seeking additional information from the public. The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office has provided a contact number for anyone with relevant information about the incident. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the community aims to ensure a thorough investigation and potentially uncover additional details about the events leading up to the shooting.

The Broader Issue of Road Rage

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the potential for seemingly minor traffic disputes to escalate rapidly. Road rage incidents not only endanger those directly involved but also pose significant risks to other motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity. The use of a firearm in this case highlights the extreme and unpredictable nature of such confrontations.

Law enforcement officials and safety advocates continue to stress the importance of maintaining composure while driving and avoiding confrontations with other motorists. Drivers are encouraged to report aggressive or dangerous driving behavior to authorities rather than engaging directly with other drivers. This incident on I-43 serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of losing one’s temper behind the wheel.