Authorities charged a North Carolina man with attempted murder and weapons offenses after he allegedly fired multiple shots at another vehicle during a road-rage altercation on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Brandon Rudd, 34, of South Mills, N.C., confronted a driver in a Cadillac Escalade while traveling southbound on the highway late on Oct. 31. Investigators stated that the dispute escalated near milepost 48.3 in Mansfield Township. Rudd, driving a Nissan Altima, fired at the Escalade several times, striking the vehicle. The victim avoided injuries during the encounter.
Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Moorestown Criminal Investigation Office identified Rudd through evidence collected from the scene and his vehicle’s North Carolina registration. Investigators linked him to the shooting using forensic methods and ballistic evidence.
On Nov. 8, a multi-agency operation involving the Camden County Sheriff’s Office tracked Rudd to South Mills, N.C. Officers arrested him and searched his residence and vehicles. Investigators recovered the firearm used in the shooting along with additional ballistic evidence that matched the crime scene.
Authorities filed charges against Rudd, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. He remains in the Albemarle District Jail in North Carolina while awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office now oversees the case. Officials announced plans to pursue Rudd’s extradition and proceed with criminal charges.
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