State police at the Lehighton barracks are investigating a drive-by shooting incident that took place at 5:30 a.m. Saturday on the Little Gap Road, near the intersection with 57 Road, in Lower Towamensing Township.

Police said it happened when a 2005 Mercury Mariner was traveling towards Palmerton on the Little Gap Road when a vehicle approached it from the opposite direction.

Police said as the vehicles passed each other in opposite directions, at the moment the driver’s side doors were facing each other, the driver’s side window of the Mariner shattered.

Police said the driver, believing something possibly like a snow or ice ball had been thrown at the vehicle, turned around and followed the vehicle, which was later identified as a 2001 Dodge Durango. Police said the driver was able to obtain the vehicle’s registration plate number.

They said the Durango turned off Little Gap Road at Country View Lane. The driver of the Mariner, accompanied by two passengers, a woman and a child, stopped following the vehicle.

Police said upon returning to a residence, the victims were able to view the damage and contact police. They said the damage was consistent with a gunshot.

Police said the operator of the Durango has been identified and search warrants have been conducted on the Durango and at the suspect’s residence.

No arrest has been made. The case is under investigation of state police and its Forensic Services Unit.