'Somebody must know something': police offer $10K reward in road-rage shooting

The family of a 21-year-old man who was shot in the face by an erratic driver is convinced "somebody must know something" about the suspect who's been on the lam for about three months.

London detectives are urgently appealing for information about the driver responsible for the May 11 drive-by shooting, now being described by authorities as an attempted murder.

Police are offering up a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect involved in the random incident that happened at Admiral Drive and Trafalgar Street.

Police said the victim had just left work and was driving in the area of Royal Crescent and Wexford Avenue when he encountered a white Chevrolet Cruze ​​being driven in an aggressive manner. 

The victim gestured at the driver of the Cruze, and then drove on toward Admiral Drive. The Cruze pulled up alongside him, and the driver pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing the scene, said police. Officers eventually recovered the vehicle but its driver remains on the lam.

"This young man was targeted for no other reason than he pointed out an aggressive driver's behaviour on a residential street on a sunny spring afternoon. For that, he was shot," Det. Sgt. Alex Krygsman said at a news conference Thursday.

Police said the male suspect, who didn't know the victim, is in his 20s with a slim to average build.

Krygsman said police believe there are people out there who know the shooter but are choosing not to come forward. Authorities hope to persuade them with the monetary reward.

'Somebody must know something': family 

The victim and his family were watching the news conference in a secluded room at police headquarters Thursday.

"All of our lives have been turned upside down in a blink of an eye because of this horrifying event," the family said in a statement read out by Krygsman.

"Our son is a caring, compassionate, hardworking individual who was enjoying life and working hard at advancing his career. He is now enduring pain on a daily basis. It is unknown to all of us when and if this will end."

"My son and our family are victims of a senseless violent act. This incident could've happened to any of us. We are asking for your help. Somebody must know something. Please come forward," the statement read.

Police said the reward is valid for information received between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31. 

Those with information are asked to call Det. Sgt. Alex Krygsman at 519-661-5674 or email akrygsman@londonpolice.ca