KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A Knoxville man has been arrested and charged following a road rage shooting on Interstate 40 that police say endangered a young mother and her one-year-old child.
The Knoxville Police Department announced that 38-year-old Shelby Lloyd Jr. was taken into custody after an extensive investigation into a shooting that occurred on October 18 along I-40 East.
According to investigators, officers were called to I-40 East near North Gallaher View Road at approximately 9:15 p.m. after receiving a report of a road rage incident involving gunfire.
The 25-year-old victim told officers she was driving from Niota to Knoxville when she encountered a red pickup truck. She reported that the truck tailgated her vehicle for several miles and that she observed the driver yelling while holding a firearm.
As the vehicles approached the Bridgewater Road area of I-40 East, the victim told investigators the driver fired multiple shots at her vehicle. Police said the woman’s one-year-old child was also inside the vehicle at the time.
After the shooting, the suspect continued eastbound on Interstate 40 before exiting at Walker Springs Road.
Investigators determined the victim’s vehicle was struck by gunfire at least twice. Despite the damage, neither the woman nor her child was injured.
The case was investigated by detectives with KPD’s Violent Crimes Unit and Gun Team. Police said a lengthy investigation ultimately led detectives to identify Lloyd as the suspected shooter.
Lloyd was detained during a traffic stop and later questioned by investigators before being formally charged.
He now faces:
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Two counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
Police have not released additional information regarding a possible motive beyond the alleged road rage confrontation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
