CHP offers new details in string of Bay Area freeway shootings

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The California Highway Patrol offered new details after a string of 80 shootings on Bay Area freeways since 2015.

It's a crime that's happening with alarming frequency and it's on the increase on bay area freeways. This year alone there have been 19, two of them fatal.

"The level of violence on our freeways and highways is unacceptable," CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Paul Fontana said.

RELATED: Man hospitalized in shooting on Highway 101 in San Jose

It's a situation that the CHP says they're trying desperately to get under control.

Last week's incident killed 24-year-old Demarcus Doss on interstate 80. Others involved just bullet holes or shell casings left behind, but investigators say they are taking all of them seriously.

"These are often targeted, gang-related incidents that happen on city streets and follow them up on the freeway, and it's just an opportunity for them," Fontana said.

RELATED: CHP investigating I-80 shooting as targeted incident

This week, 24-year-old Elliot Johnhenry Johnson was arraigned for murder in the death of doss. Two alleged accomplices, both 17-year-old boys could be tried as adults. Investigators say one of the teens was the shooter.

"All the information we have in this case is that the victim is absolutely innocent. He had no gang affiliation," Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson said.

In last week's incident on I-80 there were numerous witnesses including an off-duty officer who provided valuable information which allowed police to find a suspect vehicle, and make arrests within 30 minutes.

Next week, local sheriffs are meeting with Caltrans officials to discuss installing cameras along troubled stretches of freeway.

"It's certainly not a solution, but it's certainly a tool that makes a lot of sense."

But so far, there's no state funding available.