Amazon big rig driver dies after being shot on Interstate 5, CHP searches for witnesses
An Amazon truck driver is dead after being shot on Interstate 5 freeway and crashing into a building in Lathrop Thursday.
Christy Patterson, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner, confirmed the driver's death Friday afternoon. Patterson identified the driver as Ilkhom Shodiev, 37, a resident of North Carolina.
Traffic on I-5 was backed up for miles on Thursday night as law enforcement officials continued to investigate the shooting that occurred hours before.
At about 12:48 p.m., Shodiev was driving an Amazon big rig on I-5 between Highway 120 and East Louise Avenue in Lathrop when he veered off the freeway and struck a building, said Ruben Jones, a spokesman for California Highway Patrol.
Shortly after, CHP dispatch began receiving calls that gunshots had been fired prior to the crash. Authorities confirmed that Shodiev was shot at multiple times while driving.
He was rushed to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.
"We're very sorry to hear about his passing and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," Alisa Carroll, an Amazon spokesperson, said. "We're continuing to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate this incident."
Northbound I-5 was closed Thursday at the Highway 120/Manteca Bypass due to police activity, according to Caltrans. The westbound Highway 120 to northbound I-5 connector ramp was also closed. Drivers were able to pass through the area later in the evening, but traffic continued to backup.
There is no information on who fired the gunshots or a motive for the shooting, Jones said. It's unclear how the Amazon driver was involved or if he was a bystander.
The CHP Valley Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU) has taken over the investigation and is now seeking help from the public to solve the case.
"If you've got any dashcam footage, ISU wants to see that," Jones said. "Whether you think you see something or not, ISU may have a lead on a particular car so any footage, any tip, however small, can be helpful in moving this investigation forward."
Those who were driving northbound on I-5 between Highway 120 and East Louise Avenue around 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday can call ISU at (916) 731-6580 or CHP Stockton at (209) 938-4800 and ask for Jones.
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Amazon big rig driver shot on Interstate 5, CHP searches for witnesses
