The Latest: Semis left on side of I-75 after trooper shot

MARIETTA, Ga. – The Latest on a highway shooting that left a Georgia State Patrol trooper wounded and the suspect dead. (all times local):

7:20 a.m.

Dozens of semi-trailers remained parked on the side of Interstate 75 — more than 12 hours after a car chase and gun battle involving a Georgia State trooper led to a massive traffic jam.

The sight of the big rigs on the south-bound shoulder lanes of I-75 shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday was reminiscent of the 2014 snow and ice storm that led to motorists leaving their vehicles for a time. Traffic was flowing freely around the semis early Thursday morning.

Many drivers pulled over and parked on the shoulder of the interstate as the southbound lanes were shut down for several hours Wednesday afternoon as police investigated the shooting.

Authorities said Trooper Jacob Fields was wounded by gunfire but is expected to survive. The suspect, 26-year-old Israel Vladimir Rodriguez of Acworth, died of his wounds.

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5:15 a.m.

A highway chase in suburban Atlanta ended with a Georgia state trooper being shot and the suspect fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire.

Georgia State Patrol spokesman Capt. Mark Perry says Trooper Jacob Fields was patrolling Interstate 75 southbound Wednesday afternoon in Cobb County when he saw a Chevrolet Silverado speeding. Perry says that when Fields tried to pull it over, the driver fled.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman Scott Dutton says the driver was 26-year-old Israel Vladimir Rodriguez.

Perry says Fields chased the truck for about 10 miles with two other troopers joining in. The Silverado hit a civilian vehicle and came to a stop.

Perry says Rodriguez got out and began shooting at the troopers, who returned fire. Fields was shot in the leg and abdomen just below his vest, and Rodriguez was hit multiple times in the abdomen.

Fields is expected to recover. Rodriguez died at a hospital.