An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life on Friday as a result of a “road rage” incident that unfolded in Nevada.

According to Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader, the altercation began as Tyler Matthew Johns, age 22, and the child’s stepfather engaged in a tense exchange on a heavily trafficked roadway. Both drivers were reportedly attempting to pass one another, with one vehicle even resorting to using the shoulder of the road in their bid to overtake the other.

This confrontation took place just outside of Gibson on the westbound lanes of Interstate 215 around 7:30 a.m.

During the incident, the drivers rolled down their windows and exchanged heated words. It was then that Johns allegedly produced a handgun and fired a shot into the stepfather’s SUV, striking the young boy seated in the back. Authorities quickly apprehended Johns following the shooting.

The single shot struck the child in the back seat.

Police arrested Johns and charged him with open murder, along with two gun offenses.

The victim received help from both Henderson Fire Department first responders and the University Medical Center staff, but succumbed to his injuries.

“An 11-year-old was on his way to school, and this senseless act took his life,” Rader said.

Henderson police and the chief want to remind the public to “do better.”

“I need everybody to be patient on our roadways. We have an obligation to look out for each other.”

Radar continued to speak about temperaments during the holidays and the congestion.

“The holidays are coming up, and we usually have congestion and tempers run high. It is not worth it to engage in this type of behavior,” he added.

“I would rather you be stuck in traffic and late for your destination than have to go to a funeral for a loved one or potentially spend the rest of your life in prison.”

The Independent reported that on Saturday, Johns made his first court appearance. He remains in jail with no bail amount set, with his next court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

The names of the child and his stepfather have not yet been released.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Tyler Matthew Johns/Henderson PD]