Police said a driver delivering baby formula shot an unarmed man after an argument during a crowded sky lantern festival.
POST FALLS, Idaho — A DoorDash driver accused of fatally shooting a man during a crowded sky lantern festival told police he “had stuff to do” and wanted to keep driving while delivering baby formula through packed festival traffic, according to court documents filed after the shooting Saturday night.
Authorities said the confrontation unfolded during the Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival in Post Falls, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual event. Investigators allege 32-year-old Edsel Johnson drove recklessly through pedestrian-heavy areas before shooting 47-year-old Bradley Rex during an escalating argument beside Johnson’s van. Prosecutors have charged Johnson with first-degree murder, reckless driving and battery as investigators continue reviewing witness statements and video evidence collected from festivalgoers and nearby businesses.
Police said the incident began around 7 p.m. on May 9 when emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a man later identified as Johnson. According to charging documents, Johnson told dispatchers he had shot another man after the victim struck his van during a confrontation near the festival grounds. Witnesses later told investigators that Johnson had been driving the wrong direction through crowded streets while honking repeatedly and narrowly missing pedestrians who were walking between parking areas and festival entrances. Several witnesses said Bradley Rex stood in front of the vehicle and refused to move because he believed Johnson’s driving endangered nearby families and children. Authorities said Johnson then drove onto a shoulder area to bypass Rex, who allegedly struck the van with a folding chair as it passed. Prosecutors said Johnson exited the van, punched Rex and threw him to the ground before returning to the driver’s seat. Investigators allege Rex approached the driver-side window moments later, where Johnson fired a handgun through the open window, striking Rex fatally.
Witnesses interviewed by police described a chaotic scene that unfolded in front of large crowds attending the lantern festival. According to investigators, festivalgoers rushed for cover after hearing the gunshot while others attempted to provide medical aid before emergency crews arrived. Rex was pronounced dead after first responders reached the scene. Court records state that Johnson remained on the phone with dispatchers while officers approached and took him into custody without further violence. Police said Johnson later acknowledged becoming impatient while attempting to complete a DoorDash delivery involving baby formula. Rex’s wife told investigators that Johnson shouted for people to move because he had a delivery to finish. Other witnesses said Rex appeared focused on slowing traffic and protecting pedestrians from the van. Investigators said Johnson told detectives he regretted the shooting but blamed the confrontation on Rex hitting his vehicle and allegedly pulling at the van door. Police have not reported finding a weapon on Rex.
The shooting has drawn renewed attention to tensions surrounding delivery drivers navigating crowded public events and pedestrian-heavy spaces. The Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival attracts large crowds each year to northern Idaho, often creating congested roads and temporary traffic changes near entrances and parking lots. Witnesses told investigators the area where the confrontation occurred was crowded with families walking between festival attractions when Johnson drove through the wrong direction of traffic. Prosecutors have not indicated whether temporary road restrictions or festival traffic controls were violated before the confrontation. DoorDash has not announced whether Johnson remained active on the platform at the time of the shooting or whether any prior complaints had been filed involving his driving behavior. Similar confrontations involving delivery drivers and traffic disputes have led to criminal investigations in several states in recent years, though fatal shootings involving app-based deliveries remain relatively uncommon. Legal experts said the case may center on whether prosecutors can prove Johnson’s actions showed intent and whether deadly force was justified under Idaho law.
Johnson appeared in court shortly after his arrest, where prosecutors outlined allegations that he escalated the confrontation after becoming frustrated in heavy traffic. First-degree murder charges in Idaho can carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty if prosecutors pursue capital punishment, though officials have not announced whether they intend to seek it in this case. Court filings allege Johnson admitted during questioning that he “reacted badly” amid the confusion surrounding the festival. Investigators are continuing to review cellphone recordings, 911 audio and statements from witnesses who attended the event. Authorities have not released information about whether surveillance footage captured the shooting itself. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence during future hearings as defense attorneys review discovery materials and police interviews. A preliminary hearing date had not been publicly announced Tuesday evening. Officials also continue examining whether Johnson’s driving before the shooting violated local traffic or public safety laws connected to the festival area.
Residents who attended the festival described a dramatic shift from celebration to panic in the moments after the gunfire. Some families reportedly left the area carrying lanterns and folding chairs while emergency vehicles entered through crowded access roads. Witnesses told investigators many people initially believed a vehicle crash had occurred before realizing a shooting had taken place. Rex’s family members described him as someone who stepped forward because he feared pedestrians might be struck by the van. Several witnesses echoed that account in interviews with police. Johnson, meanwhile, allegedly expressed both remorse and frustration during questioning. According to court documents, he told investigators, “Dude is dead over nothing,” after describing the confrontation. Community members in Post Falls later gathered online and at informal memorials to remember Rex while discussing concerns about safety during large public events. Local officials have not announced whether additional security or traffic control measures will be added at future festivals following the shooting.
The case remained under active investigation Tuesday as prosecutors prepared for additional court proceedings and detectives continued reviewing evidence from the crowded festival scene. Authorities said Johnson remains in custody on murder and related charges while Rex’s family prepares funeral arrangements in northern Idaho.