
A Las Vegas man was arrested after an alleged early morning shooting spree spanning two states, which left three people wounded and led police on a highway pursuit.
Key Insights
- Antonio Chaidez allegedly conducted a shooting spree beginning in Nevada and ending in California.
- Three people were injured in the incident, but all survived.
- The shootings targeted a sleeping man in his car, a gas station clerk, and a truck driver along the I-15 corridor.
- Law enforcement apprehended Chaidez after an 18-mile pursuit on Interstate 15 near Afton Road in California.
- Chaidez faces attempted murder charges as authorities continue investigating the violent rampage that spanned two states.
Violent Cross-State Rampage
Antonio Chaidez of Las Vegas has been arrested following a dangerous shooting spree that began in Blue Diamond, Nevada, and eventually ended in Baker, California. The violent incident, which took place early morning on April 1, injured three people in what appears to be a series of random attacks. According to law enforcement reports, Chaidez targeted multiple locations along the Interstate 15 corridor, firing indiscriminately at victims in different locations across state lines.
The first shooting was reported at approximately 2:36 a.m. on Tuesday in the Mojave Desert near the Nevada-California border. Deputies initially responded to an area off Interstate 15 near Cima Road where they discovered a man who had been shot while sleeping in his vehicle. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. This would be just the beginning of Chaidez’s alleged shooting spree.
Las Vegas man arrested on suspicion of shooting spree that ends on Calif. highway https://t.co/ldDTHbXlri
— SFGATE (@SFGate) April 1, 2025
Gas Station Attack and Highway Pursuit
After the initial shooting, Chaidez allegedly continued south toward Baker, California, where he targeted a Chevron gas station. Authorities say that without apparent provocation, he fired multiple rounds into the establishment, striking and injuring a store clerk who was working the overnight shift. The wounded employee was also transported to a hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries. Surveillance footage from the gas station is reportedly being reviewed by investigators as they build their case.
Chaidez’s rampage continued as he allegedly opened fire on two semi-trucks parked near the same Chevron gas station. The truck driver became the third victim in this senseless spree, suffering gunshot wounds but ultimately surviving the attack, according to sheriff’s department reports.
Apprehension and Charges
Law enforcement quickly mobilized to locate and apprehend the dangerous suspect. California Highway Patrol officers spotted Chaidez’s vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 15 near Afton Road. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Chaidez allegedly refused to yield, initiating a pursuit down the interstate.
After approximately 18 miles, officers successfully stopped Chaidez’s vehicle and took him into custody without further incident. He was transported to a San Bernardino County detention facility where he is being held on attempted murder charges. Authorities confirmed that all three victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation with assistance from Nevada law enforcement agencies as the case crosses state lines.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking additional information from potential witnesses. The motive behind the shooting spree remains unclear, and investigators are exploring all possibilities. Law enforcement has established a hotline for anonymous tips from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity along Interstate 15 during the early morning hours of April 1. Officials have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses and evidence is processed.
Authorities have recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the shootings. Ballistic testing is underway to confirm if the same weapon was used in all three incidents.
Sources
- Gas station clerk, truck driver and man sleeping in car shot in series of shootings in Mojave Desert
- Las Vegas man arrested following shooting spree across state lines
- Officials: 3 hurt in shooting spree that started in Las Vegas, ended in California
- Las Vegas man arrested on suspicion of shooting spree that ends on Calif. highway