Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky State Police are investigating a road rage shooting incident on Interstate 65 near Bowling Green. The shooting involved a black, lifted Ford pickup truck and has raised concerns about rising road rage behaviors in Kentucky. Sheriff Brett Hightower emphasized the importance of remaining calm in traffic situations and suggested that drivers feeling threatened should seek public places and contact authorities. A related case involving a man who pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment is also highlighted, showing the serious consequences of road rage.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is actively investigating a road rage shooting incident that occurred on Interstate 65 on Sunday at approximately 8 PM. The shooting took place between the Bowling Green and Franklin exits, involving a black, lifted Ford pickup truck that was traveling southbound at the time of the incident.
KSP has urged anyone with information regarding this shooting to contact them at 270-782-2010. Law enforcement officials are emphasizing the importance of refraining from road rage behaviors, which have been noted as increasingly common on Kentucky roads. Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower reported that road rage incidents occur nearly every day and have been on the rise in recent years due to increased traffic and hurried, stressful routines.
In light of this incident, Sheriff Hightower recommends that in situations where a driver feels threatened or believes they are being followed, the best course of action is to proceed to a public place and contact the authorities. He highlighted that close calls on the road are often unintentional and urged drivers to practice patience and grace in such scenarios.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that nearly 80% of drivers admit to displaying some form of road rage behavior, which includes actions like honking, yelling, and tailgating. These behaviors can escalate into dangerous confrontations, resulting in severe consequences. To mitigate these risks, defensive driving techniques and patience are vital for all drivers.
This recent shooting incident is connected to a related case involving a Bowling Green man named Chase Welborn, who has pleaded guilty to first-degree wanton endangerment. Welborn’s plea is tied to a shooting that occurred on May 8 outside his residence on Moorman Lane, following a confrontation between his fiancée, Mallory Gaddis, and another driver, Kaila Wyatt. Gaddis accused Wyatt of tailgating her, which led to a brake check and an ensuing physical confrontation.
During the altercation, Welborn fired several shots into the air in an attempt to defend Gaddis, ultimately resulting in a bullet striking Max Wyatt in the leg, which caused a non-life-threatening injury. Welborn’s attorney claimed that he acted in self-defense to protect Gaddis from imminent harm. In contrast, the prosecution argued that there was no immediate threat that warranted Welborn’s use of a firearm.
A sentencing date for Welborn has been set for March 25 by Warren Circuit Judge Chris Cohron. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution will recommend a five-year probation period, with a possibility of reducing the felony charge to a misdemeanor upon successful completion of probation.
Background on Road Rage in Kentucky
Road rage incidents, as noted by law enforcement, have surged alongside increases in vehicle traffic and the fast pace of modern life. The improper handling of driver frustrations can lead to serious conflicts on the road. Encouraging drivers to remain calm and deescalate situations is a primary goal of law enforcement officials in Kentucky.
Important Reminders for Drivers
- Avoid engaging in aggressive behaviors such as honking, yelling, and tailgating.
- If you feel threatened while driving, head to a public place and contact law enforcement.
- Practice patience and defensive driving techniques to prevent road rage situations from escalating.
FAQ
What happened in the road rage shooting incident in Kentucky?
The Kentucky State Police is investigating a road rage shooting incident that occurred on I-65 between the Bowling Green and Franklin exits on Sunday at 8 PM.
What vehicle was involved in the incident?
The vehicle involved in the incident is a black, lifted Ford pickup truck traveling southbound.
How can I report information regarding the shooting?
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kentucky State Police at 270-782-2010.
What do Sheriff Hightower’s recommendations include for handling road rage?
Sheriff Hightower recommends avoiding engagement in aggressive behaviors and suggests going to a public place and calling law enforcement if feeling threatened.
What is the significance of Chase Welborn’s case?
Chase Welborn pleaded guilty to first-degree wanton endangerment related to a shooting incident that occurred in May, which was connected to a road rage confrontation.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: KSP Investigating Road Rage Shooting Incident on I-65
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
- WBKO: Road Rage Encounters Prompt Safety Reminders from Law Enforcement
- Google Search: Road Rage Incidents
- BG Daily News: Man Pleads Guilty in Road Rage Case that Led to Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- WFLA: Man Arrested After Firing Shot Toward Victim’s Face in Road Rage Incident
- Google News: Road Rage Cases
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
