February 13, 2025

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Florida man shoots out his own windows in road rage video

Florida man shoots out his own windows in road rage video

Freshly uncovered dashcam footage from a Florida road rage incident demonstrates a male firing a handgun several times, shattering his individual side window and windshield as he drives. The driver, 30-year-old Eric Popper, is awaiting demo on two felony expenses, together with intense assault with a firearm. If convicted, it could outcome in a sentence of up to 15 decades in prison.

The incident took location on I-95 southbound in Miami back again in June, but not too long ago Popper’s possess dashcam footage was acquired by athletics radio host Andy Slater and unveiled on January 28. 

In it, Popper is revealed casually singing alongside to audio as he drives his Toyota Venza Hybrid. A little something catches his consideration in the remaining lane, prompting him to change to his still left lane in which he allegedly minimize off a darkish-coloured Camry. The Camry driver honks, to which Popper replies, “Oh, fuck off.” Popper also appears to brake-test the Camry when on the lookout in his rear view mirror, bracing himself on the wheel as contents of his motor vehicle slide ahead.

He then watches in his mirror as, in accordance to police reviews, the Camry driver designed gestures (we’re guessing they weren’t welcoming “hi there” hand waves) towards Popper. Seconds later on, Popper opens the center console of his Venza, unlocks his firearm’s lock box, and pulls out a compact handgun.

As the Camry passes, Popper raises his weapon and lives up to his surname, firing 11 moments through his own passenger aspect window and windscreen. He even appears to surprise himself, shrinking into his seat as he shoots. Or, possibly, he was spooked by glass breaking along with the (extremely loud) sound of gunfire in a confined space.

Popper promises that the Camry driver experienced a weapon and fired at him 1st. In the online video, you can hear a bang towards his Venza as the Camry passes. In interviews with Miami’s NBC6 and Los Angeles’ ABC7, Popper’s lawyer believes that the sounds proves Popper was shot at initial, and that the video proves his client was performing in self-defense. 

The two motorists pulled more than right after the incident and referred to as 911 to report the Toyota-on-Toyota altercation. Yet another clip of the dashcam video clip shows Popper contacting 911 from his stopped motor vehicle expressing that he was shot at and returned hearth. The Camry driver instructed police that he had simply thrown a drinking water bottle at Popper’s automobile and that he did not have a firearm with him. Fortunately, the two motorists, along with absolutely everyone else sharing the road that working day, escaped unharmed.

Popper, an inspector with the Miami Seaside Hearth Department, resigned his position on July 21 and turned himself in to the authorities. He was unveiled on bond and has a hearing set for April.