MELBOURNE, Fla. – Police believe they have the man who was driving a car while his passenger opened fire on another driver in Melbourne.
Ronald Moore, 32, was booked into the Brevard County jail Wednesday.
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Officers said Moore was driving a white Saturn early in the morning on April 12 with Unique Baynard, 28, who was sitting in the back seat of the car.
The victim happened to be driving behind the Saturn, making many of the same turns, but eventually turned onto James Street, while Moore and Unique continued onto Henry Street, records show.
As the victim approached the intersection of James Street and Florida Avenue, the 46-year-old saw the Saturn coming toward him on Florida Avenue, investigators said. As the Saturn approached, police said Baynard leaned out of the passenger side rear window and opened fire on the victim.
Investigators said the Saturn then hit a pole, damaging the vehicle and forcing Baynard to drop his gun. The victim managed to get away without being hurt, though his car was hit by the gunfire, records show.
Police said they were able to find the Saturn because it was leaking fluids after crashing into the utility pole and officers followed the trail it left.
Investigators said Baynard admitted to shooting at the victim, but claimed that he believed the man was following him and Moore. However, Moore denied any involvement in the shooting and denied driving the car during the shooting, records show.
Police said they later checked phone records from the Brevard jail and discovered conversations between Bayard and Moore. Detectives said Bayard instructed Moore to back up his claim that the shooting was an act of self-defense, to which Moore replied “absolutely.”
Moore faces a charge of attempted murder.