Driver wounded in road rage shooting on 101 Freeway

A 23-year-old man was in custody today following a bizarre road rage incident in Toluca Lake. Sarkis Ambartsumyan was driving on the 101 Freeway at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday when he got into an argument with another driver, police said.

Ambartsumyan pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds at the other man as they neared the Cahuenga Boulevard exit, police said. The victim, who was struck in the hand, followed Ambartsumyan and tried to get his license plate number as the suspect drove wildly, said Sgt. Ben Alonso of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Ambartsumyan got into a brief collision near Cahuenga Boulevard and Bloomfield Street and "then drove westbound and pulled into an auto body shop," Alonso said.

The victim continued to follow Ambartsumyan and flagged down a Los Angeles Fire Department captain, who saw Ambartsumyan flee the auto body shop. The fire captain notified police, who set up a perimeter and eventually took Ambartsumyan into custody, Alonso said.

Police said a 9-millimeter handgun was recovered, and the victim was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Bail for Ambartsumyan was set at $500,000.

-- Ari B. Bloomekatz

Comments

[Robert, L.A.]

The guy's actions were obviously outrageous. If the victim hadn't tracked him down, he would probably gotten away with this. The attitude of law enforcement needs to be toughened on things like this and prosecute the shooter for a felony and not plea bargain it down to a misdemeanor that really might happen. A little different shot placement and you'd have a murder, so the suspect can't be rewarded for his bad aim. His use of deadly force demonstrated his intention.

It was lucky all around for the victim that he was only wounded and that the suspect was arrested. If there is no commensurate punishment, what's the point of a prosecution for accomplishing either deterrence of others from doing similar acts, or, for punishment of the suspect for the crime?

[josh]

Its always the dorkiest ones that do the stupidest things.

[BOB2]

I sure used to like the Bottleneck Blog, it was a real source of informations and real news about what's happening in LA Transit, Streets, Freeways, and Agencies. But, it is sure heading downhill fast. What gives?

[josh]

So...would the death penalty be appropriate for this scum? I know that's draconian, but honestly what possible worth could this "human" provide for society? You shoot someone, you get snuffed out. That would make people thing twice about random gun violence. My 2 cents...

[Jay]

Put this jackass away for decades.

[Sean K]

Robert: Uhhh... I have a feeling they probably aren't going to plea bargain a homicidal road rage incident with a handgun down to a misdemeanor. I think you've seen one too many dirty harry movies.

[LAFD]

"a Los Angeles Fire Department captain, who saw Ambartsumyan flee the auto body shop. The fire captain notified police, who set up a perimeter and eventually took Ambartsumyan into custody, Alonso said.
"

We can confidently say that there was no "Los Angeles Fire Department Captain" involved in such a manner at this incident. Possibly it was someone from a different agency?

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

[jeremy]

There is a lot of false information provided by the media. Only an insane man would shoot one because he cut in front of him. Besides, if the victim got shot, he must be some crazy fool, who doesn't care about his life, instead of saving his life, seeking medical help or calling 911, he then starts chasing the suspect.
That really does not make any sense. So maybe the suspect is the victim, who tried to defend himself, while the victim came up with a nice story which will put a 23 year old youngster behind bars for life.

[Migrod]

as far as I know...there is NO FALSE INFORMATION from the media>>and I've read a few articles on this same story...and i happen to know the victim personally///
the victim was going from his dayjob to his evening class>>>
the suspect>>a previous felon and criminal>>wasn't even in his right to carry a gun!!! and not to mention shoot at somebody///SO ....THE ANSWER IS>>NO<

[harut]

I am glad the victim chased this scum bag. I hope he rots in prison.

[DIANA]

PERSONALLY I THINK ALL OF YOU SHOULD MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN DEPRESSING LIFES. NONE OF YOU ARE IN ANY POSITION TO JUDGE SARKIS. IM PRETTY SURE HE IS A LOVEING AND CARING FRIEND, BROTHER AND SON. NONE OF YOU UNEDUCATED PEOPLE WERE THERE AT THE TIME AND DONT KNOW WHAT THE REAL STORY IS MAYBE IT WAS ACT OF SELF DEFENSE SO BACK OFF AND KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF.