Gunner Johnson (State Police)

The New Mexico State Police have arrested a Capitan man on charges of shooting at cars on I-25 in Sandoval County.

On March 10, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate a shooting on Interstate-25 between Albuquerque and Santo Domingo, according to a State Police press release. A victim reported being involved in a road-rage incident in which his or her vehicle had been shot at near mile marker 248 the previous day.

Through investigation and witness statements, State Police agents were able to get a description of the suspect and the vehicle license plate involved. They traced it back to Gunner Johnson, 44, of Capitan, according to the release.

Agents located Johnson, who admitted to being in Sandoval County numerous times over the last few months, including being in a road-rage incident March 9.

During the investigation, State Police agents also learned that since January, the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bernalillo Police Department have all taken similar reports of vehicles possibly being shot at on I-25 between mile post 242 and La Bajada Hill.

State Police Chief Tim Johnson mobilized a multi-agency task force of all four agencies that took the shooting reports to patrol I-25 to ensure the safety of the citizens.

On March 11, NMSP arrested Johnson and charged him with aggravated assault, negligent use of a deadly weapon and shooting at or from a motor vehicle, according to the release. Agents searched Johnson’s home and recovered a firearm and ammunition, which have been sent to the state crime lab for comparison with other reported cases.

Although State Police have made an arrest in this case, out of an abundance of caution, motorists can still expect to see an increased law-enforcement presence on I-25 between mile marker 242 (Bernalillo exit) and La Bajada Hill. Police continue to have various aircraft operations monitoring the area for suspicious activity.

If anyone believes they have been the victim or witness of a shooting on I-25 from mile marker 242 to La Bajada Hill since the beginning of January, or have seen anything suspicious during that time, they’re asked to contact the New Mexico State Police at (505) 841-9256, option 0, or 1-833-872-0336.