News Summary
A road rage incident on the Florida Turnpike led to the fatal shooting of Kendrick Javonne Lesesne, 25, prompting police investigations and community concerns. Lesesne was shot during a confrontation involving another vehicle. Despite attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses included an off-duty police sergeant who reported the alarming scene. The tragedy has stirred mourning among family and raised awareness about road safety issues.
Florida experienced a tragic road rage incident on the Florida Turnpike, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man named Kendrick Javonne Lesesne. The confrontation escalated on Sunday evening around 7:35 p.m. in the northbound lanes, just south of Northwest 199th Street, leading to the young man’s untimely death.
Lesesne, originally from South Carolina, was discovered inside his silver Hyundai, suffering from a gunshot wound. The incident involved another vehicle—a black Cadillac SUV—and local authorities suspect that the event began as a road rage dispute. An off-duty police sergeant from Biscayne Park witnessed the chaos unfold, as he observed Lesesne’s vehicle maneuvering dangerously in traffic. The sergeant reported hearing a loud bang, followed by Lesesne losing control of his vehicle and crashing into the Cadillac SUV.
Upon reaching the scene, the off-duty sergeant was alerted by a passenger in Lesesne’s car that he had been shot. Despite the sergeant’s immediate attempts to assist him, Lesesne was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The shooting prompted a lengthy shutdown of the Florida Turnpike, along with several nearby roadways, as law enforcement conducted an investigation. This disruption raised concerns among local commuters and highlighted the severity of the situation.
Lesesne’s Background
Kendrick Javonne Lesesne had moved to Miami three years earlier to take up work as a longshoreman at the Port of Miami. His family expressed profound grief over his sudden passing, stating that the loss is unimaginable and challenging to comprehend. They remembered Lesesne as a humble and kind individual, renowned for his warm smile and gentle demeanor.
Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are currently searching for the shooter, who remains unidentified and fled the scene following the incident. The Miami-Dade Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are continuing their investigations into both the shooting and the crash, emphasizing the need for community assistance in bringing the assailant to justice.
Lesesne’s family has issued a plea for the shooter to come forward and has encouraged anyone with information regarding the incident to help aid in the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement agencies are providing contact information for tips, assuring callers of anonymity and potential rewards for useful information.
As this tragic event unfolds, the community grapples with the senseless loss of young life due to road rage, raising awareness about the urgent need for road safety and conflict resolution on the highways.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WSVN: FHP 1 killed in Turnpike shooting in Miami Gardens
- NBC Miami: Officials ID man shot killed by Miami-Dade deputy
- CBS News: Deputy fatally shoots armed driver after traffic stop
- Miami Herald: Community reaction to the tragic incident
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
