Police have identified the motorist gunned down during Tuesday evening’s rush-hour chaos on the George Washington Bridge as a 46-year-old utility worker from Rockland County.
Koran Irvine, a Valley Cottage resident and Con Edison employee, was fatally shot around 7:15 p.m. While driving on the New Jersey-bound upper level of the span, according to law enforcement sources. The evening commute turned deadly when Irvine’s vehicle appeared to drift slightly toward another car, prompting a violent confrontation that investigators now believe was rooted in road rage.
Video reviewed by detectives shows the suspect’s dark-colored sedan cutting back toward the center lane as both vehicles entered the upper level, sources said. The other driver then maneuvered alongside the rear passenger side of Irvine’s car, and his vehicle suddenly jerked — likely the instant the single shot was fired.
The bullet pierced the back window of Irvine’s car, grazed a headrest, and struck him in the right shoulder before exiting the left side of his neck, according to preliminary findings. Irvine’s vehicle rolled into the median and came to rest as the suspect sped away.
Emergency responders rushed Irvine to Englewood Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Con Edison issued a statement mourning the loss of their employee on Wednesday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Con Edison family in this senseless act of violence,” the energy company said. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew and loved him.”
It remained unclear Wednesday afternoon whether the suspect acted alone or had passengers in the vehicle. No arrests had been made by that time, and authorities continued to search for the dark-colored sedan and its occupant or occupants.
