A fender bender escalated into a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon, according to the Port Orange Police Department.
Robert Gelles, 63, of Holly Hill, crashed a Budget Auto Unlock van into an SUV driven by a 44-year-old man as he slowed for a stoplight at Dunlawton and South Ridgewood avenues at about 5:15 p.m., said Port Orange police Lt. Scott Brozio.
Gelles then shot the driver of the SUV as he approached the van, Chief Gerald Monahan, Jr. said.
The man, who wasn’t publicly identified, was brought to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he was pronounced dead. His passenger wasn't injured.
The two men exchanged words before the shooting, but it's unknown if they were arguing or just having a conversation, Monahan said.
Monahan said it's unknown if the man who was shot was armed, but he doesn't believe it's a case of self defense.
Brozio said detectives continue to investigate the shooting and charges are pending against Gelles, who's in police custody.
The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy Monday morning, Brozio said.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Detective Jeff Wenzel at 386-506-5884.
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