Suspect Charged In Series of Random Interstate Shootings

A man has been charged with five counts of assault after a series of random shootings on Seattle’s Interstate 5, leaving six people injured and the community shaken.

At a Glance

Eric Jerome Perkins, 44, is accused of randomly shooting at vehicles on I-5 south of Seattle.
Six people were injured, including one critically.
Perkins is being held on $1 million bail and faces five counts of assault.
The suspect claims he shot at cars due to paranoid beliefs about identity theft and threats.

Violent Rampage on Seattle’s I-5

On Monday night, Seattle’s bustling Interstate 5 became the scene of a terrifying shooting spree. Eric Jerome Perkins, a 44-year-old man with a criminal history in California, allegedly targeted six vehicles, firing indiscriminately at drivers and passengers. The rampage left six people injured, with one victim in critical condition.

According to authorities, Perkins targeted three cars driving north and three cars driving south on I-5. The first victim was driving a 2022 Tesla when Perkins allegedly fired two shots, critically injuring a passenger. Other victims included a man whose wife was cut by shattered glass, a passenger struck by a bullet in the lower back, and two adults in a Kia who were shot in the leg.

Suspect’s Motives and Arrest

Perkins was taken into custody without incident early Tuesday morning, and a handgun was found in his car. During questioning, he made alarming statements about his motives for the shooting spree.

“The defendant fired indiscriminately at multiple vehicles as he drove the busy freeways in the Seattle and Tacoma areas,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Herschkowitz.

Washington State Patrol Detective Russell Haake reported that Perkins believed people were “stealing his identity, making threats and following him,” prompting him to shoot at cars to get them to “back off.” Perkins allegedly borrowed a Glock 40 handgun from a friend to carry out the attacks.

Legal Proceedings and Criminal History

Perkins has been charged with five counts of assault and is being held in King County jail on a $1 million bail. His arraignment is scheduled for September 19th. The severity of the charges reflects the grave nature of the crimes committed on one of Seattle’s busiest highways.

Notably, Perkins has a criminal history in California, including convictions for burglary, receiving stolen goods, and threatening with intent to terrorize and obstruct. This background raises questions about how he was able to obtain a firearm and why he was not under closer supervision given his past offenses.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

The random nature of these shootings has left the Seattle community deeply unsettled. Commuters who rely on I-5 daily are now faced with the unsettling reality that their safety can be threatened by such unpredictable acts of violence. Local authorities are working to reassure the public and increase patrols in the area to prevent any similar incidents.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with additional information about the shootings to come forward. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health resources and the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing firearms.