Man accused in Willow road rage shooting claims self-defense

The alleged shooter in a road rage incident that left one man seriously injured in Willow last week says he was acting in self-defense.

William Stephens claims Trent Wohlers threatened to take his gun during a fight outside the Sunshine Community Health Center on the morning of April 3rd. Stephens says he was in fear for his life. But Wohlers says he was driving away from the scene when Stephens fired several rounds at his car.

“He went into his truck grabbed another gun and followed me back to my car and as I was driving away unloaded seven rounds into the side of my car,” Wohlers told Channel 2 during an interview last week. “The second round hit me at that point I felt my whole lower body go numb.”

Stephens spoke to Channel 2 by phone Wednesday morning, but declined our requests for a recorded phone interview. He said he was waiting to hear back from his lawyer.

Alaska State Troopers say Stephens’ girlfriend was driving north on the Parks Highway that morning when, for some reason, Wohlers began to follow her. The two drivers ended up outside the clinic where Stephens was waiting for them. A fight broke out and at some point Wohlers was shot. He was later medevaced to Anchorage, and his injuries have left him paralyzed.

Troopers have not named Stephens as a suspect, and so far no arrests have been made. Troopers say they are unable to provide further details because the investigation is ongoing.