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The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said the deadly shooting on northbound I-71 near Stewart Road in Silverton was likely a targeted attack and not a random incident. Authorities identified the victim as 22-year-old Robert Lee Rothwell III, who died after a gunman in a black SUV allegedly opened fire on a red Toyota Prius on May 21. The shooting caused major traffic delays while investigators collected evidence and reviewed surveillance footage. Detectives continue searching for suspects and asking witnesses to submit information or dashcam footage.
The I-71 shooting investigation remains active after Hamilton County deputies said the deadly highway attack was not random.
The incident shut down northbound traffic near Silverton for hours as investigators gathered evidence and searched for suspects.
Authorities said 22-year-old Robert Lee Rothwell III died after a shooting along Interstate 71 on May 21. The incident happened near Stewart Road in the Silverton area during the afternoon commute. Deputies said Rothwell was riding in the back seat of a red Toyota Prius when someone in a black SUV opened fire on the vehicle. The Prius later crashed into a guardrail after the shooting. Rothwell later died at UC Medical Center, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the shooting does not appear to be random. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey told local media the attack was likely targeted and not connected to road rage. Officials have not announced arrests or publicly identified suspects connected to the case.
According to reports from WLWT, several drivers called 911 after hearing gunshots and seeing the crash. Witnesses reported seeing a black SUV leaving the area after the shooting. Dispatch recordings also indicated one caller described the suspected shooter as wearing black gloves.
I-71 shooting shuts down interstate traffic
The I-71 shooting forced authorities to close northbound lanes for several hours near the Stewart Road exit. Traffic backed up across parts of Cincinnati during the investigation. Deputies and crash reconstruction teams examined shell casings, vehicle damage, and roadway evidence throughout the afternoon.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements. Officials have not confirmed how many shots were fired. Two other people inside the Prius survived and did not suffer injuries.
According to FOX19, investigators believe the suspects may have known the victim before the shooting. Authorities have not released details about a possible motive. Deputies said they are working with regional law enforcement agencies to identify the SUV involved.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reported major delays during the closure. Drivers were redirected onto alternate routes while deputies secured the scene. The interstate reopened later that evening after evidence collection finished.
Local law enforcement agencies have recently faced several highway-related shootings across Ohio. However, investigators emphasized this case appears isolated and targeted. Officials also said there is no ongoing threat to the public connected to the incident.
Ohio law enforcement agencies have investigated multiple highway and roadway shootings in recent years, including incidents along I-71, I-70, and I-270 in the Columbus area. In one 2025 case, a driver on I-70 was shot during an apparent road-rage incident, while another I-270 shooting investigation involved gunfire at passing vehicles. Ohio also has a history of high-profile interstate violence, including the 2003–2004 Ohio highway sniper attacks near Columbus. According to a report citing the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the state has recorded thousands of road-rage incidents since 2019, with officials expressing concern about cases involving firearms.
Sheriff says shooting was targeted
Sheriff McGuffey said the I-71 shooting investigation remains a top priority for deputies. She told reporters investigators are actively pursuing leads and interviewing witnesses connected to the victim and the suspect vehicle.
Authorities asked the public to submit:
- Dashcam footage from northbound I-71
- Photos from the Stewart Road area
- Information about a black SUV seen near the scene
- Tips involving recent disputes connected to the victim
Crime Stoppers and the sheriff’s office continue accepting anonymous tips. Investigators believe additional witnesses may have been driving through the area when the shooting occurred. Officials encouraged anyone with information to contact detectives immediately.
The shooting has renewed concerns about gun violence on Cincinnati-area highways. Several residents on social media questioned how suspects were able to fire into another vehicle during daylight traffic conditions. Others expressed concern about interstate safety during busy travel periods.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows roadway violence incidents can create secondary crash risks for nearby drivers. Law enforcement experts say shootings on highways also complicate emergency response because investigators must secure large traffic areas while preserving evidence.
Community reaction following the shooting
Community leaders and residents expressed sympathy for Rothwell’s family following the deadly shooting. Friends and relatives shared condolences online as investigators continued searching for answers. Authorities have not released additional background information about the victim.
Some residents called for expanded highway camera coverage and increased patrol presence near major interstate corridors. Others urged witnesses to cooperate with investigators to help identify suspects quickly.
The investigation also prompted discussions about recent violent crime trends across Hamilton County. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, detectives are using forensic evidence and digital analysis as part of the ongoing case review.
Regional media outlets including WLWT, FOX19, and WCPO have continued covering updates connected to the shooting. Officials said investigators may release additional details once detectives verify witness accounts and analyze collected evidence.
The Cincinnati Exchange previously reported on other major public safety incidents, including the city’s recent Northside shooting investigation and ongoing discussions surrounding Cincinnati public safety funding. Officials said interstate violence cases often require cooperation between multiple agencies because crimes can quickly cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Investigators have not announced whether the suspects remain in the Cincinnati area. Authorities said they are following several leads but declined to release further details to avoid compromising the investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
FAQs
What happened during the I-71 shooting?
Investigators said a black SUV pulled alongside a red Toyota Prius and opened fire on northbound I-71 near Stewart Road. The Prius later crashed into a guardrail, and passenger Robert Lee Rothwell III later died at UC Medical Center.
Did investigators say the shooting was random?
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said investigators believe the shooting was targeted. Officials also said the case does not currently appear connected to road rage.
Were any suspects arrested?
Authorities have not announced any arrests related to the shooting. Investigators said they are continuing to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
Why was I-71 closed after the shooting?
Northbound lanes of I-71 were shut down for several hours while deputies processed the crime scene. Investigators examined shell casings, vehicle damage, and roadway evidence before reopening traffic later that evening.
