Deputies are searching for a driver who shot another driver during a road rage incident in Pasco County on Sunday.
According to investigators, the suspect who remains at large, 'brake checked' John Everitt, 27, near the Walmart on SR-54 in New Port Richey.
You could say Everitt is counting his blessings as he counts the 24 holes now in his car. Mostly because he's still here talking to us.
Around 11 p.m. Sunday night, Everitt says he and his girlfriend came across one angry driver on their way to this Land O' Lakes Walmart
"As soon as we got behind him he just brake checked us for no reason and we kind of looked at each other like what was that about," said Everitt.
The couple was traveling down US 41 behind a Dark colored SUV when the trouble started.
He says they eventually switched lanes and pulled into Walmart but the SUV followed.
"I heard a gunshot, when I heard it, I felt it, that's was how quick it was," said Everitt who was traveling as the passenger.
Detectives say the driver fired off a single shot from a shotgun, spraying the couples car with pellets.
Everitt's right arm was hanging out the window and was hit.
Glass shattered and the couple called 911. The driver immediately took off.
Investigators believe the shot came from a .410 shotgun.
"These incidents, unfortunately, are happening more often in our county, people are becoming more violent, they're firing weapons at people this gentleman is lucky he's still alive," said Pasco County detectives.
Right now Detectives are looking through surveillance video from Walmart as well as nearby businesses with hopes of a clean picture of the suspects vehicle.
Everitt is now left with a permanent reminder of the incident, the pellet in his shoulder too deep to take out.
"They can't get it out so I have to live with it the rest of my life," said Everitt.
He's thankful to have his life but he worries about the next person who comes across the suspect who almost took it.
"She was petrified, and I was scared too," said Everitt.
He described the suspect vehicle as a dark colored SUV with a roof rack. He also says the driver had a large dog in the front seat.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspect involved in this case.
Anyone with any information regarding the identity of the suspect and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile application. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for a cash reward.
