Over a year since the D.C. snipers were arrested for their murderous campaign through the Washington area, a new sniper has emerged, causing havoc along I-70 near Columbus, Ohio. This man, described by witnesses as a middle-age white male, has been shooting at cars and buildings for several months.
“Our particular shooter is becoming much more aggressive, much bolder,” said Franklin County Chief Deputy Steve Martin in a press release. “His intent is to hurt somebody.”
Twenty-four shootings have been linked to this case, the first occurring in May of last year. Most targets have been passing cars, but an elementary school and a residential home have also been shot at.
Only one fatality has been connected with this shooter. Gail Knisely, 62, was killed on the morning of Nov. 25 when a bullet ripped through the driver’s door of the car she was riding in. No other injuries have been reported.
The gunman has been described as calm and deliberate.
“I saw him park his car, get out of it, walk to the rail and take his shot,” said Douglas Berry, whose car was shot at on Feb. 9, in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch. According to witnesses, the man then unhurriedly got back into his car and drove away.
Two unidentified men have called 911 on separate occasions and claimed to be the shooter, but neither appears to be authentic. Authorities have continually urged the sniper to call or write to police.
Other hoaxes include when an Ohio man admitted to shooting his own van and then calling police. Charges are pending against this man.
Authorities say they are working on the case, but have released no particular details about the case.
“We feel that we’re getting closer all the time,” said Chief Deputy Martin, according to the Washington Post. “We are doing exactly what we need to do.”
A $600,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.