Police in Henderson, Nevada, say an 11-year-old boy was killed Friday morning after a traffic dispute escalated into gunfire on a congested freeway near Las Vegas. The child had been riding to school with his stepfather when the incident unfolded around 7:30 a.m.
According to authorities, 22-year-old Tyler Matthew Johns allegedly fired a single shot into the family’s SUV during a confrontation between the two drivers. Investigators describe the situation as a road-rage conflict that began when both vehicles were aggressively trying to maneuver through heavy traffic. Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader emphasized that the tragedy stemmed from behavior that should never have occurred, saying the boy’s death was entirely preventable.
Witness statements and police reports indicate that both drivers exchanged words after rolling down their windows. Officers say that during this exchange, Johns pulled out a handgun and fired into the back of the other vehicle, striking the child.
In the chaos that followed, the stepfather reportedly struck Johns’ car, bringing both vehicles to a stop. A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer driving nearby saw the confrontation and stepped in, arresting Johns at the scene and recovering the firearm.
Johns now faces charges including open murder and multiple firearms-related offenses. Police records show he was booked into jail without bail after an initial appearance.
Emergency responders transported the boy to University Medical Center, where he later died. Chief Rader used the incident to stress the broader issue of rising hostility on roadways, urging the public to slow down, show patience, and remember the consequences that impulsive anger can have.
Authorities added that Johns was alone in his vehicle and that there was no immediate indication that substances were involved. The investigation is ongoing.
