Durham County deputies identify man suspected of road rage shooting in gas station parking lot
The driver of the four-door Audi took a rifle from his car and fired multiple rounds at the Mustang as it drove away from the scene, according to the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Posted — UpdatedThe sheriff's office announced deputies are looking for Ira Brandon Thorpe.
Thorpe, 31, is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation has also revealed the car seen in the surveillance video previously released is a 2013 Audi A4 with North Carolina license plate number KBR-8300.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies are only looking for Thorpe and not the passenger who rode with him in the Audi. Deputies have taken warrants out on Thorpe.
Deputies recovered a total of eight rifle shell casings in the parking lot of Han-Dee Hugo's at 423 Pleasant Drive.
The sheriff's office said a blue Mustang and a white Audi A6 got into a minor collision near the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and Pleasant Drive. Both drivers pulled into the Han-Dee Hugo's parking lot afterwards.
The two drivers got into an argument before the driver of the four-door Audi took a rifle from his car and fired multiple rounds at the Mustang as it drove away from the scene, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office said no one was injured, but the Mustang had damage.
The Audi also had damage to the driver's side bumper during the collision, the sheriff's office said.
The video appears to show the driver of the Audi retrieve the gun from backseat on the driver's side before firing. The person appears to be wearing jeans and a hoodie. There is also another person who sees the shooting and then gets into the passenger seat.
Anyone with information about the shooting or about Thorpe's whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff's office at 919-560-0900 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.
Handgun instructor shares his observations from the video
North Carolina concealed handgun instructor Ben Martin said based on the output flash, he thinks the shooter used an AR pistol. It is a gun used in a military capacity, Martin said.
Martin has taught people how to use firearms for 32 years and is certified by the North Carolina Department of Justice.
"This is a very fast, round weapon," Martin said. "[It's] extremely fast. Faster than 9-millimeter, [or] your .357 magnum."
Martin said the military uses them for clearing bunkers and dwellings.
"This is a close-combat gun," Martin said.
Martin said something stuck out to him about the video.
"Because of the muzzle flash, I’ve never seen a 9-millimeter or any handgun put out that much muzzle flash," Martin said.
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