(KRON) – The driver who shot another motorist in the head on Interstate 29 in Napa faces life in prison. Jurors found Tuong Nguyen, 45, guilty of attempted murder, auto theft and six firearms offenses after a trial, the Napa County District Attorney announced Monday.
Prosecutors said the case stems from a “chaotic series of events” that began during rush hour on the morning of February 18, 2022.
Nguyen was driving erratically, at times swerving into oncoming traffic, along Highway 29 between American Canyon and Napa, according to prosecutors. At the same time, Robert Abreu was driving his pickup truck to work, family members said.
“Nguyen produced the firearm he was carrying and shot the victim, shattering the back window of the truck and striking him in the head. The victim was able to stop on the side of the highway and call 911 while the defendant fled the area,” prosecutors wrote.
“Robert was shot in the face… by the reckless driver. He is a complete stranger,” the victim’s daughters wrote.
Nguyen’s crime spree continued in downtown Napa, where he stole a Toyota Tacoma from the second victim, prosecutors said.
The multi-agency search for the suspect ended near Interstate 221 on Magnolia Drive, where police found and took Nguyen into custody.
Abreu miraculously survived after undergoing surgery in the hospital.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Taryn Hunter said Monday, “Today’s ruling begins a long and difficult journey for the victims in this case who have waited so hard and patiently to see justice served. This case involved the coordination and testimony of dozens of witnesses, mental health competency hearings, and numerous continuities, each step closer to this day of accountability.”
Nguyen previously served prison time after being convicted in August 2019 of robbery in Nevada. He will return to court on Wednesday to set a date for his sentencing hearing. Prosecutors said he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.