NORWALK, CA – Noel Pena, a 48-year-old father of four, is fighting for his life in the ICU after becoming the unexpected victim of a road rage shooting on the 5 Freeway on New Year’s Eve.
While driving back to East L.A. from a family outing at the Sante Fe Springs Swap Meet, Pena was shot by an aggressive driver near Carmenita Road in Norwalk. The bullet entered through his armpit, shattering his collarbone and leaving fragments in his throat. Pena was able to pull over to the roadside after being struck but started to lose consciousness rapidly due to severe blood loss.
The horrific event deeply shocked Pena’s family, turning what was supposed to be a joyful family excursion into a nightmare. However, the timely intervention of a passing nurse potentially saved his life. Pena was later transported to a hospital where he received multiple blood transfusions and underwent critical surgery.
“He had to get like eight units of blood,” his daughter, Pamela Pena, shared in an interview. She expressed gratitude he could still be with them but admitted a formidable recovery journey lies ahead.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the suspect driver, thought to be in a gray Honda SUV, last seen on the freeway. California Highway Patrol (CHP) warned that road rage incidents are increasingly common, urging drivers not to escalate any such situations.
CHP is appealing to anyone who might have witnessed the shooting or have dash cam footage or video from Tesla cameras taken on December 31 between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. near Carmenita Road exit. The suspect will likely face charges of attempted murder, in addition to charges of assault with a deadly weapon.