Teen shot and killed on I-285 in road rage dispute

Published July 24, 2026 6:46 AM EDT

DeKalb County police are investigating a deadly late-night road rage shooting that left a teenager dead along the shoulder of Interstate 285 near Spaghetti Junction.

I-285 fatal shooting

What we know:

According to DeKalb County police detectives, the violent incident began late Thursday night when a road rage dispute broke out between two drivers traveling along I-285.  

Investigators say the 17-year-old victim followed the other vehicle as both traveled toward the Buford Highway exit right at Spaghetti Junction. Both drivers subsequently pulled over onto the shoulder of the interstate and got out of their vehicles.  

A physical altercation broke out between the two drivers on the side of the highway. During the fight, shots were fired, striking the 17-year-old. Responding officers found the teenager deceased at the scene. 

DeKalb County Police temporarily closed the outer loop of I-285 near the scene to gather evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events.  

Search for shooter

What we don't know:

As of Friday morning, authorities have not released description details regarding:

  • The identity or description of the gunman.  
  • The make, model, or description of the suspect's vehicle. 
  •  Whether an arrest has been made.

Police stated they are withholding the name of the 17-year-old victim pending official notification of next of kin.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the DeKalb County Police Department.

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