Man to Stand Trial for Alleged Freeway Shooting

43-year-old accused of road rage attack on 91 Freeway near Riverside

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:42am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark asphalt surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without words.The physical evidence from a recent road rage shooting on a California freeway underscores the escalating dangers of confrontations on crowded highways.Riverside Today

A 43-year-old Moreno Valley man has been ordered to stand trial on charges of attempted murder, firearm assault, and shooting at an occupied vehicle after allegedly opening fire on another driver during a road rage incident on the Riverside 91 Freeway last December.

Why it matters

Road rage incidents involving firearms have become an increasing public safety concern in California, with the number of freeway shootings rising in recent years. This case highlights the dangers of escalating confrontations on crowded highways and the potential for tragic outcomes.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, on the night of December 14th, Maurice Orlando Stells Jr. was involved in an unspecified dispute with another driver on the westbound 91 Freeway near downtown Riverside. Stells, who was driving a Chevrolet Camaro, allegedly opened fire on the victim's vehicle, striking the driver at least once before fleeing the scene. The injured victim was able to pull over and call for help, and was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and has since recovered.

  • The incident occurred on the night of December 14, 2025.
  • Stells was arrested on the afternoon of December 22, 2025.

The players

Maurice Orlando Stells Jr.

A 43-year-old resident of Moreno Valley who has been charged with attempted murder, firearm assault, and shooting at an occupied vehicle in relation to the freeway shooting incident.

California Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that investigated the road rage shooting and developed leads pointing to Stells as the alleged perpetrator.

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What they’re saying

“Road rage incidents involving firearms have become an increasing public safety concern in California, with the number of freeway shootings rising in recent years.”

— Officer Javier Navarro, California Highway Patrol

What’s next

Stells is scheduled to return to court on May 1 for a post-preliminary hearing arraignment, where he will enter a plea to the charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater awareness and de-escalation strategies to prevent road rage incidents from turning deadly on California's crowded freeways. It also raises questions about firearm access and the role of mental health in contributing to such confrontations.