A heartbreaking and deeply disturbing tragedy unfolded Wednesday morning in Henderson, where an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot during what police describe as a road rage incident involving his stepfather. The shooting occurred along I-215 near Gibson Road, shutting down a major stretch of the freeway for hours as investigators processed the scene.
According to the Henderson Police Department, the incident began just before 8 a.m., when emergency calls reported what was initially believed to be a traffic crash on the 215 Southern Beltway. Shortly after, authorities learned the situation was far more severe — an armed confrontation had taken place between two vehicles, leaving a young boy mortally wounded on his way to school.
When officers arrived, they quickly determined that the child had been struck by gunfire during the confrontation. Despite emergency efforts, the 11-year-old was pronounced dead, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an outpouring of grief from residents, school officials, and families across the region.
Police confirmed that a 22-year-old suspect — whose name has not yet been publicly released — was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. He now faces an open murder charge in connection with the child’s death. Authorities also reported that the firearm believed to be used in the incident has been recovered.
Officers emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the stretch of freeway near Gibson Road remained closed well into the day as detectives worked to reconstruct the events that led to the deadly encounter. Traffic throughout Henderson was heavily impacted as investigators combed through evidence and interviewed witnesses.
The stepfather of the victim, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the shooting, is cooperating with police as they continue piecing together the timeline and motives behind the confrontation.
The community has responded with an overwhelming sense of sadness and disbelief. Local parents expressed fear and outrage at the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a child simply heading to school. Mental health and crisis teams have been made available for students and families shaken by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Henderson Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant dash-cam footage to come forward.
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