George Washington Bridge reopens after driver found fatally shot on upper level
George Washington Bridge reopens after driver found fatally shot
The NYPD is searching for a gunman after a 46-year-old driver was found with a fatal gunshot wound on the George Washington Bridge, causing severe traffic backups in Manhattan and the Bronx for several hours. FOX 5 NY's Frances Wang has the latest.
NEW YORK - The George Washington Bridge reopened early Wednesday following an hours-long shutdown after a driver was found fatally shot in his vehicle.
The NYPD has taken over the investigation as authorities search for the gunman and work to figure out a motive, which law enforcement sources told FOX 5 NY appears to be a road rage dispute.
GW Bridge shooting
What we know:
Port Authority police responded to the GW Bridge just after 7 p.m. Tuesday following reports of a single-car crash on the New Jersey-bound upper level.
Driver dies after gunshot in GWB crash, causing major delays
A driver was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head following a single-vehicle crash on the George Washington Bridge upper level. Port Authority police are investigating the scene, and all westbound upper-level lanes remain closed with severe traffic delays stretching into Manhattan.
Officers arrived and found a blue Volkswagen that had crashed into the middle divider. The 46-year-old driver suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder and was rushed to Englewood Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said the man was found unconscious and unresponsive behind the wheel. The rear passenger window was shattered and appeared to have bullet damage.
Major traffic backup
Local perspective:
The massive police response led to highway gridlock that stretched miles from Manhattan into the Bronx.
Westbound traffic remained at a standstill for nearly six hours before the bridge's upper level reopened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Con Edison statement on driver shot
What they're saying:
Con Edison confirmed in a statement to FOX 5 NY that the man was an employee.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Con Edison family in this senseless act of violence. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew and loved him."
Police have not yet released the man's name.
NYPD investigating
What we don't know:
A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities have not said publicly whether the incident stemmed from road rage or a targeted attack.
It was also unclear if the shooting occurred on the bridge, a ramp, or before the driver entered the highway.
No arrests have been made, and police have not released any suspect descriptions.
The Source: This story was written with information from the NYPD's Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.