Driver Who Pulled Over to Avoid Road Rage Confrontation Fatally Shoots Man Who Attacked Him, Charleston Police Say
A late-night road rage encounter on Greenbrier Street turned deadly Monday, May 18, when a driver who had pulled over to avoid a confrontation shot the man police say came back and attacked him.
As reported by 13 WOWK, the Charleston Police Department received a call at 10:45 p.m. about a shooting near the intersection of Greenbrier Street and Deitrick Boulevard.
According to the department’s preliminary investigation, William Ray Hinerman, 63, of Charleston, was driving aggressively before the incident. Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle pulled over to the side of the road specifically to avoid a confrontation with him.
That should have been the end of it. Police say it wasn’t.
Based on statements and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators allege Hinerman made a U-turn, drove back to where the other driver had stopped, got out of his vehicle, and approached him. During the confrontation that followed, Hinerman allegedly struck the other driver multiple times.
The second driver then drew a gun and fired one round, striking Hinerman in the abdomen. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
After the shooting, the driver immediately called 911, stayed at the scene, and cooperated fully with investigators. Those are exactly the right steps after any defensive shooting, and they matter. They put the driver’s account on the record from the first minutes and gave investigators a cooperative witness instead of a fleeing suspect.
WV MetroNews reports the driver has not been charged.
As reported by 13 WOWK, the Charleston Police Department received a call at 10:45 p.m. about a shooting near the intersection of Greenbrier Street and Deitrick Boulevard.
According to the department’s preliminary investigation, William Ray Hinerman, 63, of Charleston, was driving aggressively before the incident. Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle pulled over to the side of the road specifically to avoid a confrontation with him.
That should have been the end of it. Police say it wasn’t.
Based on statements and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators allege Hinerman made a U-turn, drove back to where the other driver had stopped, got out of his vehicle, and approached him. During the confrontation that followed, Hinerman allegedly struck the other driver multiple times.
The second driver then drew a gun and fired one round, striking Hinerman in the abdomen. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
After the shooting, the driver immediately called 911, stayed at the scene, and cooperated fully with investigators. Those are exactly the right steps after any defensive shooting, and they matter. They put the driver’s account on the record from the first minutes and gave investigators a cooperative witness instead of a fleeing suspect.
WV MetroNews reports the driver has not been charged.
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