Police: Woman shot during E. Patchogue road rage incident

Police say a road rage altercation on the Sunrise Highway led to the shooting of a young mother while her baby was in the back seat. Nichole McDowell was shot in her leg and her hand while in her boyfriend

News 12 Staff

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Dec 9, 2015, 2:28 AM

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Updated 3,300 days ago

Police say a road rage altercation on the Sunrise Highway led to the shooting of a young mother while her baby was in the back seat.

Nichole McDowell was shot in her leg and her hand while in her boyfriend Edward Pontis' car Monday.

Suffolk police say Pontis was driving westbound on Sunrise Highway while their 11-week-old baby was in the back seat. They say the couple noticed a light-colored minivan weaving in the lanes in front of them.

Authorities say both drivers used their high beams and took turns passing each other. They say Pontis even slammed on his brakes while the other vehicle was behind him.

Police say the minivan pulled up alongside the couple's car and shot at it twice. One of the bullets went through the passenger door, hitting McDowell in the hand and the leg.

Authorities are searching for the suspects, described only as two or three young men.

Pontis could face charges as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.