An Alaska man narrowly survived a terrifying road rage shooting while driving home from work earlier this month.
McKial McCarty, 19, was returning from his job at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on May 13 when he was cut off by a light-colored Chevy Equinox, allegedly driven by 24-year-old Joseph Lemalie.
Road Rage Turns Violent
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, both men were turning left at an intersection when Lemalie nearly collided with McCarty. Lemalie then pulled alongside McCarty’s car, rolled down his window, and fired five shots.
McCarty’s mother shared on a GoFundMe page that all five bullets struck her son, injuring his lungs, breaking one arm, and causing hip damage. She also said his car was completely totaled.
Survivor Identifies Shooter
While recovering in the hospital, McCarty identified Lemalie from a police lineup and told officers he was “1,000% sure” of his attacker.
Speaking to local NBC affiliate KTUU after being released, McCarty explained that he had been in the far-left turn lane when Lemalie cut him off. After honking his horn, Lemalie allegedly slowed down, pulled next to McCarty, and fired multiple shots in what McCarty described as “mag dumping,” emptying five rounds at him.
“I immediately thought I was dead,” McCarty said, recalling the feeling of his lungs “filling up” with blood. He stopped his car in hopes that someone could call the police and alert his family.
McCarty shares a young daughter with his girlfriend, who also created a GoFundMe page to support him.
Investigation and Arrest
Traffic cameras helped investigators identify Lemalie’s vehicle, which was later located at a home belonging to his family members. Police seized the Equinox and recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing. Additional shell casings were found at the scene.
Joseph Lemalie was arrested and charged with four counts of assault, misconduct involving weapons, and reckless endangerment. His bond was set at $50,000 during a court appearance, and he is currently being held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 4.
