Road Rage Likely the Cause of I-35E Shooting, Eagan Police Say

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Eagan police are looking for a dark-colored SUV following a Sunday morning shooting that investigators believe may have been motivated by a case of "road rage".

A 26-year-old woman was wounded in the shoulder during the incident, which took place arond 2:20 a.m. on Sunday on northbound Interstate 35E between Cliff and Diffley Roads in Eagan, according to an Eagan Police Department representative.

Police say the victim was one of eight people riding in a Volkswagen Jetta, which turned onto the interstate from Cliff Road. As the vehicle was accelerating down the freeway ramp, an SUV began tailgating the car. While still on the ramp, the driver of the Volkswagen slowed down, put his hand out his window and "gave the finger" to the trailing SUV, according to investigators.

Once on the interstate, the occupants of the SUV responded by moving to the right side of the Volkswagen and firing at least twice at the vehicle, police said.

One bullet struck the woman, who had her back up against the front passenger window of the Jetta. Another round struck the car near the passenger door.

The woman was transported to Regions Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Eagan police, assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol and the Burnsville Police Department, are continuing to investigate the incident.

However, that investigation has been hampered by intoxicated witnesses, Eagan police spokeswoman Danielle Anselment said. The driver of the Volkswagen, 28-year-old Grant Hengy of St. Paul, was also arrested following the shooting and jailed on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Anyone with information related to this case can call the Eagan Police Department at 651-675-5700 with details.