Interstate shootings spur ATA's call for help

Dec 5, 2003 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports

The American Trucking Associations has requested drivers to report any unusual activities to authorities investigating 12 recent shootings along a portion of Interstate 270 in Columbus OH. The only person killed in the shootings, Gail Knisley, was shot November 25.

"We have about 30,000 members who can act as eyes and ears on the road," said ATA spokesman John Willard.

Ballistics tests have positively connected four of the 12 shootings: three in vehicles and one at an elementary school. According to investigators, the other shootings are also linked.

Most of the shootings, which began in May 2003, have taken place in the past two months along the same short section of Interstate 270 south of downtown Columbus.

An average of 77,000 vehicles travel daily on I-270 and US 23, the north-south route that intersects 270 near the area of the shootings, according to Ohio transportation officials.

To date, 836 Ohio drivers and thousands nationwide have received training via the ATA's Highway Watch program.