A tragic road-rage incident in Tempe, Arizona, led to the death of Steven Bevan, 29, after he was shot in a confrontation with Dustin Jackson, 46. The shooting occurred on July 1 and involved children in both the victim’s and the suspect’s vehicles, making the situation even more harrowing. Jackson, a former Marine, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and a drive-by shooting.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around noon when Dustin Jackson was driving his GMC Sierra pickup truck with his 6-year-old daughter. He was stopped at a red light on Warner Road in Tempe, preparing to turn left onto Priest Road. Also stopped at the light was Steven Bevan, driving a Dodge Challenger with his 9-year-old and 8-year-old sons.
According to court documents, Jackson honked his horn when the light turned green and Bevan didn’t immediately move. After driving a short distance, Jackson reported that Bevan swerved into his lane and stopped abruptly in front of him. Witnesses stated that Bevan exited his car, approached Jackson’s truck, and yelled at him.
The Fatal Shot
In what authorities believe to be a response to the confrontation, Jackson opened his truck door and fired a single gunshot, hitting Bevan in the chest. Bevan was unarmed and had no weapons in his car, according to police reports. Despite being taken to a nearby hospital, Bevan later succumbed to his injuries.
Jackson’s attorney has claimed that his client’s actions were “reasonable in light of the circumstances”, suggesting that Jackson acted out of fear for his and his daughter’s safety. Jackson is described as 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds, which may have contributed to his sense of threat during the confrontation.
Witness and Video Evidence
Despite the shocking nature of the event, none of the children in either vehicle were physically harmed. However, one of Bevan’s sons recorded part of the incident on a cellphone. The boy filmed as his father allegedly approached Jackson’s truck and placed his hand on the door. After the gunshot, the video goes dark, but yells of “Call 911” and “Who shot my dad?” can be heard, capturing the chaotic aftermath.
Evidence of Cocaine and Arrest
Along with the tragic events, authorities found cocaine in Jackson’s glove compartment. Jackson was arrested and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. He is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, and a drive-by shooting.
Family’s Grief and Public Response
Bevan’s family has been left devastated by his untimely death. His sons, who witnessed the altercation, will likely carry the trauma of the incident for years to come. The fact that the shooting occurred in front of children has drawn widespread outrage, with many questioning the consequences of road rage and the need for improved road safety and conflict resolution.
The fatal road-rage incident in Tempe, Arizona, has resulted in a tragic loss of life. Dustin Jackson, now facing serious charges, reportedly acted out of fear, but the circumstances surrounding the shooting have raised many questions. With children involved in both the victim’s and the suspect’s vehicles, the incident has shined a spotlight on the dangers of road rage and its far-reaching effects on families and communities.
