JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police in Jacksonville have arrested in man in connection with the road rage killing of a 46-year-old Wednesday night.
Isreal Williams, 41, was arrested Thursday night after investigators received tips from the public, police said.
Investigators said Williams admitted he got into an argument with Thomas Schadowsky at a Gate gas station on the Northside. Police said Williams was pumping gas when Schadowsky pulled into the station speeding. They said Williams made a comment to Schadowsky, and the two started going back and forth.
Witnesses told police WIlliams waited for Schadowsky (pictured, right) to gas up, then followed him from the station. Police said one woman called 911 and said she heard a single gunshot and saw lights in the woods.
Despite admitting to following Schdowsky, Williams denied shooting him, police said.
Police said they found Williams' burnt orange SUV, but they said he had already gotten rid of his Florida A&M license plate. Police said he admitted to falsely reporting his FAMU tags as stolen and getting new plates. Investigators said he told them he dumped those plates and other items in a Nassau County Dumpster.
Police said they are still looking for the weapon and still working to find out exactly what was said between the two.
Williams (pictured, below) made his first appearance in court Friday afternoon on charges of murder and throwing deadly missiles into a dwelling or vehicle.
Schadowsky, of Yulee, was found dead in his pickup truck in the woods off Dunn Avenue near North Campus Boulevard. He was found shot and slumped over in the driver's seat.
Police believe Schadowsky was shot while he was driving and then drove off into the woods.
Police said a possible vehicle of interest was seen following the victim's pickup. That vehicle description matched Williams' SUV, police said.
Police believe Schadowsky was heading to Interstate 295 when he went off the road.
Investigators said they don't know what caused the argument to turn deadly, but they said witnesses told them race could have been a factor.
"We are hearing some information that maybe some words were exchanged in reference to that. We're still trying to follow up," Lt. Rob Schoonover said.
Family members of Schadowsky said that was not in his character at all. They said even if what witnesses are saying is true, it's still no reason for him to be shot.
Schadowsky's widow spent the day at the funeral home preparing to say goodbye to her husband.
"That's one thing I know for sure is, he loved me and I'm so thankful for that," said Rebecca Schadowsky, Thomas' wife. "So many people live in this world without it, and I see that every day where I work, and I'm so thankful I was surrounded by love and I was loved."