A 26-year-old Delray Beach woman is facing attempted murder and several related charges after a road rage shooting on I-95 in Boca Raton that left a man seriously injured, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO).
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on the northbound lanes of I-95 near Palmetto Park Road and Hillsboro. The Florida Highway Patrol called for assistance from Boca Raton police and Broward deputies.
Victim Hospitalized with Serious Injuries
Investigators detained a suspect at the scene, and a man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Breanna Evans, is charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of shooting from a vehicle.
Authorities said Evans and the victim did not know each other, and the shooting appears to stem from a road rage incident.
Sheriff’s Office Issues Public Warning
BSO issued a public warning following the shooting, as the victim remains hospitalized after being shot in the head, according to his attorney.
“We are talking about someone who was shot in the middle of the highway, especially at a time when people were returning home from work,” BSO spokeswoman Claudinne Caro said. “This could have been so much worse. Fortunately, the victim is recuperating.”
She urged drivers to stay calm on the road.
“If you see a driver who is tailgating you, let them go by. If someone is being rude or making obscene gestures, ignore them and do not engage. Always stay calm while driving. If you are a victim, call 911.”
Incident Near County Line
Caro said the exact cause of the confrontation is still unclear and confirmed that Evans did not know the victim.
The shooting happened just south of the Palm Beach County line in the northbound lanes of I-95 and ended near the Palmetto Park Road exit. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Evans faces two counts of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of shooting from a vehicle.
Defense Claims Fear and Self-Defense
During a bond court hearing on Thursday, Evans’ attorney claimed she acted in self-defense.
“She was in fear for her life, which resulted in her defending herself. She was being followed by two male individuals. She is a single female and thought she was in danger. The roads of Broward County are a dangerous place for females driving. This is a person with no prior record,” he said.
Prosecutor Disputes Self-Defense Claim
The prosecutor argued that Evans acted intentionally and not out of fear, using her own statements to investigators as evidence. He said Evans took the gun from the passenger seat, turned off the safety, and shot the victim in the head — actions that contradict a self-defense claim.
“By her own admission, she cut him because she doesn’t like people driving in the fast lane,” he stated.
He added, “There was nothing to indicate this person was trying to drive into her. It was her reckless driving that caused this to occur.”
Judge Denies Bond and Imposes Restrictions
A judge found probable cause for the charges and ordered Evans to be held without bond. The judge also barred her from contacting the victim and prohibited her from possessing firearms.
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