Limestone County, Ala. – February 27, 2025 – A Nashville man was arrested Thursday afternoon after a shooting incident on Interstate 65 near the Tennessee/Alabama state line. Authorities say the man, identified as 35-year-old Joel Cespedes, allegedly followed a woman’s vehicle while making threats and firing shots at her during a dangerous encounter on the highway.
According to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the victim reported the incident to law enforcement around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday. She told deputies that Cespedes had been following her car and had threatened to kill her if she didn’t pull over. Fearing for her safety, the woman refused to stop and continued driving. During the pursuit, Cespedes allegedly fired multiple shots at her as they traveled down the interstate.
The victim, who managed to record the incident on her phone, contacted emergency dispatchers while driving to a safer location after exiting the highway. Law enforcement responded quickly, and an Alabama state trooper in the area performed a traffic stop on Cespedes shortly afterward. This led to the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies in the investigation.
During a search of Cespedes’ vehicle, officers reportedly found a firearm, several fraudulent identification cards, passports, and credit cards belonging to other individuals. In addition to the charges related to the shooting, Cespedes was also charged with trafficking in stolen identities, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of fentanyl.
Authorities confirmed that probable cause had been established to charge Cespedes with attempted murder and second-degree domestic violence (stalking). He was subsequently booked into the Limestone County Jail on a $2,005,000 bond.
Cespedes is also reportedly claiming to be a member of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, though authorities have yet to confirm any links to the criminal organization. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the full scope of his activities.
The LCSO is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has additional information to contact Investigator Martin Evans at 256-232-0111.
