Man Confesses to Random Alabama Highway Semi-Truck Shooting, Sheriff Says

Man admits to shooting semi truck on Alabama highway in ‘random act,’ sheriff says

A man faces a felony charge after authorities say he fired a handgun at a passing tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 59 in Baldwin County, Alabama.

The incident was reported on Oct. 29, 2026, when the truck driver contacted law enforcement after discovering that the semi truck had been struck by a bullet while traveling near Bay Minette, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

No injuries were reported. Deputies responding to the scene found a large-caliber projectile inside the truck cab and observed damage consistent with a gunshot.

The shooting involved a commercial vehicle traveling on a public highway, putting the driver at risk and creating the potential for a serious traffic incident. A bullet striking a tractor-trailer can damage critical equipment or distract a driver, although the sheriff’s office did not report any loss of control or additional crashes in this case.

Investigators reviewed video from the semi truck and identified a dark-colored Chevrolet Avalanche with distinctive white decals. With assistance from other law enforcement agencies, deputies located a matching vehicle at a residence in Bay Minette.

According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Jason Chandler admitted that he owned the vehicle and had fired a handgun at the passing 18-wheeler. Investigators said Chandler described the shooting as a random act and did not provide a motive.

Chandler was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. The charge alleges that a firearm was used against a vehicle occupied by another person. The sheriff’s office did not provide additional information about the weapon, the exact location of the shooting or Chandler’s court status in the information available.

For truck drivers, the incident is a reminder of the risks created when firearms are used near active traffic lanes. Tractor-trailers are large and highly visible, but drivers have limited ability to react to an unexpected shot or object coming from the roadside. A strike to the cab, windshield or other equipment could affect visibility and vehicle control.

Drivers who believe their vehicle has been struck or who observe suspicious activity near the roadway should move to a safe location when possible and contact law enforcement. Preserving available video, noting the travel direction and description of a suspect vehicle, and documenting visible damage can assist investigators. In this case, video from the truck helped authorities develop a vehicle description.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has not reported any additional victims or damage connected to the shooting. The case remains a criminal matter, and the charge against Chandler is an allegation unless and until it is resolved in court.