…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
In a shocking incident of road rage, a drug dealer opened fire on two strangers crossing the road near a pub just a short distance from London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s residence.
The incident occurred in Streatham, south London, when William Solhotra, aged 35, engaged in an argument with two men who had walked in front of his BMW as he drove past a parked car outside a row of shops.
The confrontation escalated, and as tensions flared, Solhotra drew a weapon and shot at the two men.
The gunshot prompted the pair to flee the scene and run back toward a busy street.
Surveillance Footage and Witnesses
CCTV footage captured the moment when Solhotra halted his vehicle outside The Furzedown pub, shortly before a loud bang rang out.
The footage revealed that the two hooded men swiftly turned around and fled as they noticed Solhotra brandishing a gun.
In the midst of the chaos, an innocent passer-by unknowingly walked past Solhotra’s car as the shot was fired.
Eyewitnesses from a nearby corner shop doorway observed the unfolding commotion.
Proximity to London Mayor’s Residence
Notably, the shooting occurred in close proximity to the residence of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
However, Khan was not present at home during the incident as he was attending the London 2022 Pride parade in the city center.
Police Response and Arrest
Following the shooting, the area was swarmed by police, but all three men involved had already left.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although a shell casing was discovered at the scene.
Four days later, armed officers apprehended Solhotra while he was driving back to London from Crawley, West Sussex.
During the vehicle search, authorities discovered a loaded gun in the same Emporio Armani strap bag that Solhotra was seen wearing on CCTV moments before the shooting.
Sentencing and Unidentified Victims
In the subsequent legal proceedings, William Solhotra was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing ammunition, and drug-related offenses.
It is worth noting that Solhotra had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A, B, and C drugs.
The two men who were shot at have yet to be located, according to the police.
Detective Constable David Leend of the Metropolitan Police expressed gratitude that no fatalities occurred in the incident.
He emphasized that the shooting unfolded in broad daylight, in front of numerous onlookers and motorists.
Solhotra exhibited a complete disregard for the safety of the victims and the general public.
Despite extensive efforts to identify the two men, including checks at various hospitals, their identities remain unknown.
The outcome of this investigation could have been much different, and it is fortunate that no one was injured or killed.