A 23-year-old man was arrested Monday in connection with a March road rage incident that escalated into a shooting in the parking lot of a Kissimmee Publix.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred at the Publix located on Cypress On March 30 Parkway. The victim, who has not been identified, told investigators that while waiting at a red light, he didn’t immediately notice the light had turned green. The driver behind him, later identified as Jesus Perez Jr., began honking his horn excessively. When traffic began moving, Perez allegedly continued to drive aggressively, attempting to pass the victim despite heavy congestion.
To get away, the victim turned into the Publix parking lot, but the suspect reportedly followed, blocked his vehicle and got out with a firearm. Reports said Perez approached the victim, who was still seated in his vehicle, and opened fire. The victim returned fire with his own weapon, prompting Perez to flee the scene.
No injuries were reported in the exchange of gunfire. With assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Perez was arrested Monday and booked into the Polk County Jail. He faces several charges, with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm in public.
