Iowa trucker accused of attempted murder in I-80 road rage shooting

Patrick Lee Miller faces felony charges that could mean up to 25 years in prison

Investigators alleged Patrick Lee Miller fired on another semi trying to pass him on I-80 Sunday evening. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

A semitruck driver has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged road rage incident on Interstate 80 in Jasper County, Illinois.

According to a news release from the Newton Police Department, investigators say 56-year-old Patrick Lee Miller of Malvern, Iowa, was arrested Sunday evening after firing multiple rounds at another semi on I-80.

The release stated that Miller was driving a Peterbilt semi pulling a grain trailer when another semi tried to pass him near the 164-mile marker. Police say Miller shot at the semi, which pulled into a Love’s Travel Center in Newton, then Miller continued eastbound on I-80.

No one was injured.

Around 30 minutes after the shooting, Jasper County deputies found the Peterbilt parked on the off-ramp at the 179-mile marker exit off I-80. Miller was detained, and a search warrant for the semi led to the discovery of a handgun and multiple spent shell casings.

Miller was arrested and charged with attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent and reckless use of a firearm. Attempted murder is a Class B felony that carries a criminal penalty of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

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Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories. Every person has a story to tell, and Caleb wants to help share them! He can be contacted by email anytime at Caleb.Revill@firecrown.com.