Woman dies after rock smashes through windshield on Southern California freeway

Authorities are searching for a suspect after a woman was killed by a rock that was thrown at her windshield on the freeway.

On Tuesday, the victim and a passenger were traveling on Highway 138, just east of Highway 18 in the Antelope Valley area at around 12:10 a.m.

As they were driving on the highway, a suspect suddenly launched a rock toward their windshield, smashing the glass and fatally striking the driver.

The passenger who survived told California Highway Patrol it was unclear where the rock was initially thrown from.

Authorities searched the surrounding area but no suspects were located. 

The incident followed a similar occurrence that happened just two days earlier on Oct. 6. That driver also told authorities rock was thrown at their windshield as they were driving on the highway in the same area.

“Given these recurring incidents, the California Highway Patrol Southern Division Major Crimes Unit and the CHP Antelope Valley Area are actively investigating these incidents and are seeking assistance from the community,” detectives said.

Anyone who has information on the case is urged to call the California Highway Patrol at 323-259-3200.

“The public’s cooperation is crucial to help bring the perpetrator(s) of this heinous act to justice and prevent further tragedies,” CHP officials said. “The California Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring public safety and will continue to investigate all incidents thoroughly.”