According to statistics, road rage has happened to more than half of all drivers. Most of the time it results in swear words that no one else can hear. Sometimes, it results in erratic, risky maneuvers. In Utah, it led to a man’s death.

On Wednesday, Chris Mortenson, 42, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, a father of four, was shot in the chest after playing “cat-and-mouse” on the I-15 with another driver. 

It was at mid-morning, around 9:30 am, that Rodrigo Monroy, 32, of Riverton cut Mortenson off on the highway. A witness to the incident said that Monroy cut off Mortenson several times and would not allow him to pass his vehicle.

At that point, Mortenson could have saved his life by just taking a deep breath, and driving on.

Sandy (UT) Police Sgt. Greg Moffitt told media sources that instead, Mortenson pulled alongside Monroy and gestured (waved) to him, suggesting that they pull over to the side of the road. The suspect then followed the victim off the freeway, and came to a stop in front of a gas station. Mortenson got out of his car and approached the suspect’s car, which was parked behind him. He walked to the driver’s side door and angrily slapped his hand across the windshield. 

According to a police affidavit, Monroy pulled out a gun from underneath his seat and pointed it at Mortenson, demanding he move away from the vehicle. 

At that point, Mortenson could have saved his life by walking away. 

Mortenson attempted to seize the gun unsuccessfully and the two had a scuffle at the window. The suspect then shifted away from the victim and fired a shot, striking Mortenson at close range in the chest. 

Mortenson was taken to a local hospital and died from the gunshot wound. The suspect remained on the scene until police arrived. He is being held at a Salt Lake County jail for murder and illegally discharging a firearm. 

Upon questioning by police, Monroy admitted that he “brake checked” the victim and followed him off the freeway instead of abandoning the confrontation and continuing to drive. He told police that Mortenson hit his car with his hand after they had pulled over at the gas station, which “scared him,” and caused him to pull out his gun.

“Monroy stated he did not think about just backing up and leaving the area,” the affidavit states.

Chris Mortenson leaves behind his wife of twenty years, three daughters, and a son.