ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A road rage incident between two drivers resulted in a fatal shooting on Hamilton Street early Sunday.

Officials say the incident occurred around 3:37 a.m. when an Audi containing two individuals overtook a Prius occupied only by the driver, forcing the Prius to the curb in the 400 block of West Hamilton Street.

According to a Lehigh County District Attorney’s office press release, the driver of the Audi, a 35-year-old Whitehall Township man, got out of his car and swung a metal bat at the driver of the Prius. The driver of the Prius then shot and killed the driver of the Audi. 

The victim was taken to Lehigh Valley Health Network where he was pronounced dead at 4:51 a.m., according to the Lehigh County Coroner.

The coroner has ruled the death as a homicide. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, who is not being identified at this time, was shot once with a 9mm handgun.

A press release from the Lehigh County District Attorney’s office described the incident:

Video surveillance from nearby locations showed two vehicles were involved in an altercation leading up to the shooting; an Audi containing two individuals and a Prius occupied only by the driver. As both vehicles traveled west in 400 block of West Hamilton Street, the Audi overtook the Prius. As the vehicles crossed 5th Street, the Audi forced the Prius to the curb and both vehicles stopped.

The driver of the Audi then exited his car and approached the driver of the Prius with a metal bat similar to those used for training in baseball and softball. The driver swung the bat at the driver of the Prius, striking the drivers’ side door.

The investigation at this point indicates that the driver of the Prius fired once at the driver of the Audi, striking him. The driver of the Audi stopped striking the Prius, moved away from that vehicle, and dropped the bat.

The driver of the Prius was able to navigate away from that scene and drove approximately one and a half blocks away where he parked and called 911.

The driver of the Prius remained at that location until the police arrived. He was then detained. A 9mm handgun was recovered from that driver who was legally permitted to possess the handgun.

Officials say because no charges have been filed against the driver of the Prius, his name will not be released.

The second occupant of the Audi remained at the scene and was uninjured. His name will also not be released.

This is a developing story. For more, stay tuned to 69 News, or go to WFMZ.com.