An Erie man who was charged in a road rage shooting incident along Interstate 79 learned Wednesday he will spend 15 years behind bars.

Judge David Ridge handed down the prison sentence for Alexander Peyton, 28, who pleaded guilty to a list of charges including attempted homicide.

Peyton was also ordered to pay $19,522.56 in restitution.

The victim - Kevin Bennett, 59 - delivered an emotional statement during the sentence. Bennett, who had to undergo surgery for his injuries, said he forgave the victim and said he was only here today because of his will to live. 

Peyton, who appeared by video for sentencing, expressed extreme remorse. He had no prior criminal history, and his defense attorney asked for a lesser sentence in the 8-9 year range.

It all started along I-79 in February 2023 and ended in a parking lot not far from the end of the highway.

Police said Peyton was involved in a minor accident with Bennett and then followed him to an area off Garfield Ave. where he shot Bennett in the face.