TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Two Philadelphia men have been charged with attempted murder after investigators say a road rage encounter on Route 202 escalated into a shooting that left a bullet lodged in another driver’s door.
Sophay Yem, 35, and Intanon Chay, 36, both turned themselves in to police and were arraigned, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Yem’s bail was set at $500,000 cash, while Chay’s was set at $350,000 cash.
- Yem and Chay are charged with attempted murder, terroristic threats and other related offenses stemming from the May 12 confrontation.
- Investigators say the victim was followed and driven at aggressively after inadvertently cutting off another vehicle on Route 202 near the Route 30 Bypass.
- No one was injured, but police found a bullet hole in the driver’s side door with no corresponding exit hole.
The charges stem from a May 12 incident reported to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department. According to the criminal complaint, the victim told investigators his vehicle had been shot during an encounter that began on Route 202.
Police Say Road Rage Escalated After Driver Was Cut Off
The victim told investigators he inadvertently cut off another driver on Route 202 near the Route 30 Bypass.
According to the complaint, that driver then followed the victim, drove aggressively, attempted to force his vehicle off the road and swerved in front of him. The passenger allegedly threw objects onto the roadway toward the victim’s vehicle.
Investigators later identified Yem as the driver and Chay as the passenger, prosecutors said.
As the victim exited onto Route 252, he heard glass shatter. He later discovered a bullet hole in the driver’s side door and contacted police.
Investigators examined the vehicle and found no corresponding exit hole, according to the complaint.
“Just because someone cuts you off does not mean you get to shoot at them,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said. “This was absurd criminal conduct that put the lives of everyone on the road that day in danger.”
Detectives Used Technology to Identify Suspects
Tredyffrin Township Police led the investigation with assistance from Chester County detectives and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Police did not detail the specific technology used, but Tredyffrin Township Police Capt. Tyler Moyer said detectives used the department’s available capabilities to identify and locate the suspects.
“While no one was injured in this incident, I cannot stress enough that firing a weapon during a road-rage confrontation is an unacceptable and dangerous act,” Moyer said.
He said detectives “immediately went to work” to identify and track down those allegedly responsible.
Both men eventually surrendered to authorities and were arraigned before Judge Lauren Holt.
Prosecutors said Yem and Chay face attempted murder, terroristic threats and other related charges. The release did not provide a complete list of every count filed against each defendant.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tredyffrin Township Police at 610-644-3221.
The charges against Yem and Chay are allegations. Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sophay Yem and Intanon Chay are both charged with attempted murder.
Prosecutors also announced terroristic threats and other related charges against the two Philadelphia men.
The shooting allegedly followed a confrontation on Route 202.
The victim told investigators he inadvertently cut off another driver before being followed, driven at aggressively and eventually shot at.
No injuries were reported during the road rage incident.
Police nevertheless found a bullet hole in the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle and said the incident endangered others using the roadway.
Sources: Chester County District Attorney’s Office news release; Tredyffrin Township Police Department; criminal complaint as summarized by prosecutors.
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