A series of shootings along Interstate 270 have received national attention after the fatal shooting of Gail Knisley, 62, on Tuesday.

Knisley was shot around 10 a.m. on I-270 near state Route 23. Tuesday’s shooting on Columbus’ south side is the first to result in death or serious injury, according to a statement released from the Franklin County Sheriff’s office yesterday.

Only one other shooting has been linked to the fatal shooting Tuesday, but the sheriff’s office continues to work in collaboration with local state and federal agencies in the investigation. The first shooting occurred in May, and the rest occurred over the last seven weeks but were not linked because reports were filed with different agencies in the area.

According to local media, the shots were fired at different times of the day, and the shooter does not seem to be targeting a specific type of vehicle.

Officials refuse to comment on the possible motive of the shooter or speculate on the person’s background, according to the statement. Investigators are hesitant to call the shooter a “sniper,” until more information is gathered.

“There is not enough information available at this time to form an opinion, and to speculate would be irresponsible. We do know that anyone that is willing to shoot at a moving vehicle, occupied by people, most likely traveling at the posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour, is – or should be – keenly aware of the consequences of such an action,” according to the statement.

Law enforcement officials have opened a post office box in hopes of opening up communication with the shooter and are trying to sort out information gathered through the tip line at the sheriff’s office.

With hunting season kicking off today, investigators have asked area hunters to report anything suspicious to the sheriff’s office at 464-4646.

The Sheriff’s office has already received more than 150 tips referring to suspicious persons or vehicles seen in the area, or specific people who have drastically changed their behavior since the shootings began.

“Investigators are taking steps to quickly put the information together and eliminate people as suspects as soon as possible so as not to waste time and resources,” according to the statement.