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SANDY — A suspected road rage confrontation between two drivers on I-15 led to a fatal shooting in front of a gas station just off the freeway Wednesday.
Rodrigo A. Monroy, 32, of Riverton, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder and illegal discharge of a firearm.
About 9:30 a.m., Monroy cut off another driver on I-15, according to a police booking affidavit. Police say the driver who was cut off then motioned to Monroy to pull over and drove ahead of Monroy.
Monroy followed the man as they got off the freeway at 10600 South and came to a stop at a gas station just off the freeway near 160 West, said Sandy Police Sgt. Greg Moffitt. The driver got out of his car and approached Monroy's vehicle, which had parked behind him, and went up to the driver's side window.
"(The victim) struck (Monroy's car) with his hands and asked Monroy what he was doing. Monroy then pulled a gun out from under the driver seat and pointed it at (the victim) telling him to back away. (The victim) attempted to grab the gun and a short struggle ensued through the open window of (Monroy's vehicle)," according to the affidavit.
Monroy pulled his gun away and then "leaned away from (the victim) and fired one shot which struck (the victim) in the chest," the affidavit states.
The victim, a man in his 40s, was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. His name has not yet been released.
Monroy was still on the scene when police arrived and he was questioned by detectives at the Sandy Police Department, Moffitt said.
Monroy said he "brake checked" the victim and then followed him off the freeway rather than continuing to drive. He told police that the victim hit his vehicle with his hand after they had pulled over, which "scared him, which is why he pulled out the gun. Monroy stated he did not think about just backing up and leaving the area," the affidavit states.
"Monroy stated it all happened so fast. Monroy never left the driver seat of his vehicle until after the shooting occurred."
Correction: The victim struck Monroy's car when he approached his vehicle. An earlier version incorrectly stated he struck Monroy.
