ALL NEWS

Lawsuit filed after what police call a road-rage-shooting in Lehi

Feb 15, 2021, 7:12 PM

road rage shooting...

Utah Highway Patrol troopers investigate a road rage shooting that left two people injured on I-15 in Lehi on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Five men involved in what police called a road rage shooting on I-15 last month in Lehi have filed a suit against the suspected gunman for $25 million.

In a statement to the Deseret News, the attorney for the men said the lawsuit is being filed to showcase behavior that is unacceptable.

“There is no place for ‘wild west gun slinging on the interstate,'” the statement read.

The alleged shooter, Jesse David Luker, 31, of Salt Lake City, was arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail on January 25, 2021. He was later charged with three counts of attempted murder.

Lehi road rage

Jesse Luker, age 31, was booked into the Utah County jail on charges of aggravated assault after involvement in what police called a road rage incident on southbound I-15 in late January 2021. Photo: Utah County Sheriff’s Office

The lawsuit alleges that Luker was frustrated that the car with the five men in it was driving the speed limit in the carpool lane.

According to the Deseret News, the men suing Luker are passengers, George Acosta Ruiz, Paul Bernardino, Eduardo Hernandez, and Jose Antonio Vazquez as well as the driver, Edgar Escamilla.  In the suit, the five men allege battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.

What happened that morning in the road rage shooting

According to police documents, Luker was traveling south on I-15 between the point of the mountain and the Lehi Main Street exit. Luker drove a black pickup. Police records show that George Ruiz-Acosta was driving ahead of Luka on southbound I-15 in a white pickup.

According to witness statements, both vehicles were participating in a road rage incident by swerving at each other as they continued southbound. 

When interviewed by police, the suspect admitted that he shot at least four bullets at the white truck and that he was aiming for the tires on the truck.

Luker also reportedly admitted that he was driving 70 miles per hour as he shot his firearm out of his front passenger window.

KSL Newsradio previously reported that the driver of the white truck continued driving to American Fork Hospital. Police records show that two occupants of the white truck, the driver and left passenger, had both been injured by gunshots.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Lawsuit filed after what police call a road-rage-shooting in Lehi