U.S.

Kansas City Highway Shootings Could Be Connected

Police and FBI agents in Kansas City believe at least a dozen random shootings in the area over the last month could be connected.

Kansas City Highway Shootings Could Be Connected
The Kansas City Star / Jill Toyoshiba
SMS

Police and FBI agents in Kansas City announced Friday they believe at least a dozen roadway shootings could be connected. They have received more than 20 tips and calls about stray bullets hitting cars, houses and in a few cases injuring people in the past month. (Via KSHB)

"You're right on the edge of someone getting killed. Anytime you have a random shooter with no reason or mindset who's just taking rounds and putting them in cars, it's causing problems for everyone." (Via ABC)

As of Saturday, authorities have no solid leads and it's unclear if the shooter takes aim from a moving car or hides along the roadside. But there is one noticeable pattern: most victims were hit near exit ramps or road spits and police believe the suspect is using a hand gun. 

Authorities urge drivers to be careful but say it is safe to be on the highway. (Via People

​Still, outlets are comparing these incidents to past shooters like the pair who shot and killed 10 people in the Washington, D.C. area in 2002, paralyzing the region with fear for weeks. (Via ABC)

The Kansas City Star reports authorities are using some of those past incidents to try and narrow down a suspect. Retired FBI agent Mary O'Toole told the outlet...

“He’s enjoying more being a predator... It’s probably exciting for him to be out there, and he has the power over these people... This is fun behavior for this guy.” And the outlets notes, "Predatory behavior is much more associated with men than women, so the shooter is likely male."

As the investigation continues, the number of victims continues to grow. One woman's 3-year-old daughter was almost shot in the legs — saved only by a thin strip of metal inside the car door. (Via  KTIV)

No one has been killed in what seems to be this random string of shootings. Authorities are now offering $10,000 to anyone with information leading to an arrest.