Suspect in I-285 road rage shooting death arrested, victim’s parents react

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — DeKalb County police said the suspect accused of fatally shooting a 26-year-old man during a road rage incident on Interstate 285 in July has been arrested.

Raul Antonio Escobar-Paz, 45, was arrested Wednesday at a Gwinnett County home by the sheriff’s office and U.S. Marshals Service, police said.

RELATED: Man shot, killed during road rage incident on I-285 in DeKalb County

Tyler Sieber was shot and killed after a crash near Buford Highway, according to police.

Sieber’s father, Anton Sieber, previously told Atlanta News First that he and his son were driving separately on the interstate when another driver struck his vehicle, causing it to spin out.

RELATED: ‘Ride for Tyler’ planned to honor Marietta motorcycle shop employee killed in road rage shooting

Police said Tyler Sieber followed the other driver after the crash to get a description of the vehicle and its license plate number. Anton Sieber said investigators told him his son caught up with the driver at the next exit, where the two argued.

“My son got out of his truck and started taking photos of the guy’s car and of him, and the guy shot him,” Anton Sieber said.

RELATED: Family mourns 26-year-old man killed in DeKalb road rage shooting as police search for suspect

The suspect then left the scene, he said.

Escobar-Paz was booked into the DeKalb County Jail shortly after 6 a.m. He is charged with malice murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, hit and run, tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

He is being held without bond.

Atlanta News First spoke with Tyler Sieber’s parents, Anton and Christa Sieber, after learning of the arrest. They said it brings some relief after seven weeks of painful uncertainty.

“I actually received a phone call this afternoon and I’m just thrilled that he’s behind bars,” Christa Sieber said. “It was just so hard knowing that this guy was free and my son is gone. I just hope he stays there.”

“It’s hard to describe how the last seven weeks have been,” Anton Sieber said. “It’s not only the loss. Anyone who’s gone through this knows it’s paralyzing, almost. I don’t understand how someone could have done what he did — callous, cold — and just go about their life like nothing happened.”

“He has no idea what he took from us, I mean no idea,” Christa Sieber said. “We were so close with our son.”

Remembering Tyler Sieber

Tyler Sieber’s family described him as a kind young man who was loved by his friends. He worked at a local motorcycle and scooter shop and was an avid rider.

“He just loved it,” Anton Sieber said of his son’s passion for riding. “Every day was something new — meeting somebody new and an adventure.”

The Siebers are planning a memorial ride in Tyler Sieber’s honor Saturday, Sept. 26. Community members and local riders are invited to gather at 10:30 a.m. at Vespa Marietta, 793 Roswell St. NE. The 90-minute memorial ride is scheduled to begin at noon.

The family said it has been comforted by the outpouring of support from people whose lives Tyler Sieber touched.

“We’ve been almost surprised at the amount of people who — Tyler has just touched their lives,” Christa Sieber said. “I mean, we knew he was a wonderful kid, but we’re just finding out just how much. I hope it’s a big turnout. It would mean a lot to us to see that.”

“It’s a humbling thing to see — when you realize your kid is a better person than you are,” Anton Sieber said. “He was. I’m so proud of him, and I miss him so much.”

In addition to the memorial ride, Tyler Sieber’s parents have started an online fundraiser to pay off his motorcycle and cover related expenses.

Return to Atlanta News First for updates on this developing story.