LANCASTER : Man Killed After Argument on Road
A 35-year-old Lancaster man was shot to death by a motorist with whom he “exchanged words” after the motorist cut him off, authorities said Tuesday.
Jesse J. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at Lancaster Community Hospital at 11:15 p.m. Monday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Rich Erickson said.
Juan Belazquez, 25, of Palmdale was being held without bail at the Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Station on suspicion of murder, Erickson said.
Rodriguez was driving with his brother and a companion on the Sierra Highway about 10 p.m. Monday when Belazquez drove his car onto the road and cut him off, according to Erickson. Both cars were approaching Avenue K.
When they reached the intersection, the men exchanged words. Belazquez followed Rodriguez into the parking lot of a convenience market in the 44000 block of the Sierra Highway, Erickson said. Rodriguez walked over to Belazquez, who remained seated in his car, Erickson said.
Belazquez fired two shots, hitting Rodriguez in the upper chest, said Erickson. Belazquez was pulled out of his car by Rodriguez’s brother and his companion. Other people nearby helped restrain Belazquez until authorities arrived.
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