Coroner IDs Temecula Road Rage Victim

TEMECULA, CA — A 47-year-old motorist killed during a collision stemming from a road rage confrontation on Interstate 15 in Temecula was identified Friday.

Anthony Brooks of Perris was fatally injured about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday on southbound I-15 near Winchester Road, according to the Riverside County Coroner's Office.

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig said that the victim was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Malibu when he got into an unspecified dispute with the driver of a Lexus GS450h.

"The preliminary investigation suggests the two drivers engaged in a speed contest and took turns sideswiping one another until losing control of their respective vehicles," Lassig said.

The Malibu slammed into the center median wall, rolling at least once before coming to rest on its wheels in the No. 2 lane.

Lassig said that Brooks was not wearing his safety belt and was ejected onto the freeway, suffering catastrophic injuries.

He was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he died shortly before 9 p.m.

Lassig said that the Lexus spun out in the fast lane and came to a stop. The driver, identified only as a 38-year-old San Diego man, was not hurt and did not attempt to flee. There was no indication of intoxication.

No other vehicles were involved.

According to Lassig, the Lexus driver was questioned by patrol officers at the scene but not arrested.

The southbound side of the freeway was partially shut down for more than two hours while a preliminary investigation was conducted and the wreckage was cleared.

The investigation is ongoing, and CHP investigators are coordinating with staff from the District Attorney's Office in reviewing factors in the deadly crash and determining what charges, if any, to pursue, Lassig said.