Anchorage, Alaska — A 19-year-old father is recovering after surviving a terrifying road rage shooting that police say nearly cost him his life while he was driving home from work in Anchorage.
Authorities allege a traffic dispute escalated into gunfire when another driver cut him off and then fired multiple shots into his vehicle.
Traffic Encounter Turns Violent
According to a criminal complaint, McKial McCarty, 19, was leaving his job at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on the night of May 13 when he encountered another driver at an intersection.
Investigators say 24-year-old Joseph Lemalie was driving a light-colored Chevy Equinox when he allegedly cut in front of McCarty while both vehicles were making a left turn.
McCarty later told authorities that he honked his horn after nearly being hit.
According to his account, the other driver then slowed down and maneuvered his vehicle alongside McCarty’s car.
Five Shots Fired Into Vehicle, Police Say
Authorities allege that moments later, Lemalie rolled down his window and fired five shots directly at McCarty. McCarty later described the terrifying moment during an interview with a local station.
“Mag dumped,” McCarty said, describing how the suspect allegedly emptied five rounds into his vehicle. According to a GoFundMe page created by his mother, all five bullets struck the teenager.
The shots reportedly punctured his lungs, broke one of his arms and caused serious damage to his hip. His mother also stated that the vehicle was completely destroyed during the shooting.
Victim Thought He Was Dying
Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, McCarty managed to stop his vehicle and seek help.
Teenager Dies After Being Shot in Head While 32 Weeks Pregnant, Baby Remains in Critical Condition
According to court records, he told investigators he believed he was dying immediately after the shooting. He said he could feel his lungs “filling up” with blood after being struck.
“Immediately thought he was dead,” the complaint states regarding his initial reaction.
McCarty later told that after stopping his vehicle, he got out hoping someone nearby would call emergency services and notify his family.
The young father shares a daughter with his girlfriend, who also launched a fundraising campaign to assist with recovery expenses.
Police Use Evidence to Identify Suspect
As McCarty’s condition improved in the hospital, detectives presented him with a lineup. According to the complaint, he identified Lemalie as the alleged shooter without hesitation.
“1,000% sure,” McCarty reportedly told investigators.
Authorities also reviewed traffic camera footage and identified the suspect vehicle involved in the shooting. Investigators later located the Chevy Equinox at a residence connected to Lemalie’s family members.
Arrest Made After Investigation
Police seized the vehicle and reportedly discovered a spent 9 mm shell casing inside. Additional 9 mm shell casings were also recovered from the scene of the shooting, according to investigators.
Lemalie was subsequently arrested and charged with four counts of assault, misconduct involving weapons, and reckless endangerment.
During a court appearance, a judge set his bond at $50,000. He remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex and is scheduled to appear in court again on June 4.
The case has drawn significant attention in Alaska as another example of how a brief traffic dispute can quickly escalate into life-threatening violence.
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