Suspect sought in road rage shooting of bicyclist

Kissimmee police detectives are investigating a shooting, which they believe may have been the result of road rage between a motorist and a bicyclist. The incident happened in the area of Columbia Ave and Dyer Blvd. on Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m.

"At this point, we're calling it road rage. The bicyclist almost got hit, and for some reason the motorist opened fire," said police spokesperson Stacie Miller, "so obviously, we haven't been able to talk to the victim yet."

The bicyclist was shot multiple times, Miller said, by someone driving a dark-colored sedan. That suspect vehicle was last seen driving west on Columbia Ave., towards Armstrong Blvd.  Neighbors said they could hear it across the way, on Columbia Avenue just West of Dyer Blvd.

"A car facing this way on the wrong side of the road in oncoming traffic. Hand was on the side like this," gestured Nicholas Place, who ran outside after hearing the shots. "From like here, I could see the blood, so he was definitely shot here and here."

Place said road rage incidents happen in the area often. 

"It makes me nervous," he said. "I try not to think about it. I like to go out at night."

The victim was taken to a local hospital and is being treated for his wounds.

Miller cautioned drivers to be respectful of bicyclists on the roadway.

"They have the same rights as the vehicles do, and they need to follow the same rules as the vehicles do, so we just need to watch out for the bicyclists," she added.  

Witnesses said the car had a peach-colored towel hanging from the window.  Kissimmee detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the Major Crimes Unit at 407-846-3333, to email seeitsayit@kissimmee.org, or to contact CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).