A DoorDash driver in Idaho has been arrested after allegedly shooting a man in front of a large crowd of witnesses. Edsel Robert Johnson had been delivering baby formula when he got into an altercation with a man from the crowd of people present for a lantern festival.
Johnson, 32, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder, and one count of reckless driving and battery according to court records viewed by Us Weekly. He was arrested in connection with the death of Bradley Allen Rex who was shot dead at the Stateline Speedway in Post Falls around 7 p.m. on Saturday May 9th.
After the incident Johnson called 911 and reported himself to the authorities. He explained that Rex had struck his vehicle as he drove through the crowd and that he “didn’t want to shoot him but had stuff to do.”
What happened at the festival?
According to witnesses that were attending the Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival Johnson was seen honking his horn as he drove the wrong way down the road and through the crowd in his van. While most pedestrians moved out of his way Rex did not.
Rex’s wife told investigators that her husband was trying to protect the bystanders from Johnson who was driving erratically. As the vehicle approached Rex allegedly swung a folding chair which struck the van. This prompted Johnson to get out of his vehicle and physically confront Rex, punching him before he “body-slammed” him into a ditch.
Johnson then got back in the van. Rex got up and approached the driver’s side window while unarmed, as he did so, Johnson allegedly shot at him, killing Rex.
Edsel Robert Johnson expresses remorse
Speaking to investigators Johnson later admitted that he “messed up,” and that the shooting “should not have happened.” He explained that he was delivering baby formula when he made the decision to drive through the crowded street. The DoorDash driver confessed to slamming Rex into the ground and stated that his actions were “bad.” He went on to say “I have no idea why I did that,” adding, “He was pulling my door. What was I supposed to do?”
In a court appearance on Monday a judge called Johnson’s decision “extremely fatal and critical.” It is currently unclear whether Johson entered a plea during his appearance in court although the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Edsel Robert Johnson is currently being held in the Kootenai County Jail without bond.
