A devastating road rage incident on I-65 near Southport Road on May 1 has left a community in mourning and a 24-year-old Indianapolis man facing a murder charge. According to court documents, the driver of a Ford Explorer admitted to police that he shot and killed 35-year-old Ryan Hawkins during a road rage incident.
Eyewitness accounts shared in court documents reveal that Hawkins and the driver of the Explorer were northbound on I-65 when shots began to come from the Explorer. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra driven by Hawkins then left the interstate and crashed into a pond at a nearby apartment complex. Tragically, Hawkins died from a gunshot wound to the neck.
The investigation led police to locate the Ford Explorer and driver involved, thanks to eyewitness accounts and the use of license-plate reading FLOCK cameras. During questioning, the 24-year-old man, who has not been formally charged, admitted to the crime, saying, “I’ll tell you right here, I did it. I didn’t mean to, I was afraid that we were going to crash and die.”
The driver claimed that Hawkins had been brake-checking him, leading to the shooting. However, other eyewitness accounts shared in court documents contradict this explanation, stating that Hawkins sped away from the driver of the Explorer before the driver sped up next to Hawkins and began firing his gun.
When confronted with the discrepancies in his story, the driver requested an attorney. The admission of guilt and conflicting accounts of the incident have left many questions unanswered, and the community is seeking justice for the senseless killing of Ryan Hawkins.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the devastating consequences of violent actions. As the investigation continues, the community comes together to support the Hawkins family and advocate for greater awareness and prevention of road rage incidents.
The 24-year-old driver faces a murder charge and potentially severe legal consequences for his actions. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible driving and conflict resolution.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the community is coming together to promote road safety and awareness, ensuring that such senseless acts of violence are prevented in the future. Ryan Hawkins’ memory will live on, and his family will continue to seek justice and healing in the face of unimaginable loss.
