According to the Westminster Police Department, Smith, 26, got into a road-ragey altercation on 120th Avenue near Huron with a thus-far-unnamed 21-year-old who wound up taking a gunshot to his torso. The man died of his wounds at a local hospital, while Smith was tracked down, busted and booked on first-degree murder charges. Would have been a lot better for everyone involved if he'd just muttered obscenities under his breath.
Here's the WPD account:
Road Rage Turns DeadlyOn Friday, November 13, 2009 at approximately 7:45 p.m. the Westminster Police Department received a 911 call of a shooting that occurred on 120th Avenue near Huron Street. The shooting was between two vehicles that were traveling east on 120th Avenue as they approached Huron Street. It is unknown what circumstances caused the shooting, but police do believe that road rage may have been a factor.
The Victim was able to exit his car and get help from bystanders in a nearby parking lot. He was taken to a local area hospital by the Westminster Fire Department. The Victim later died from injuries that are consistent with a gun shot wound to his torso. His name is not being released at this time pending notification to his next of kin.
Officers from the Commerce City Police Department were able to locate a blue GMC Jimmy that was seen leaving the area. Westminster Police took the driver, Travis Neil Smith (DOB: 07-13-83), into custody and transported him to the Westminster Police Department where he was booked on the following charges:
• CRS 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree (F1)
Please contact Investigator Trevor Materasso at 303-658-4360 with any questions regarding this case.
Case number 2009-18013