The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A North Carolina family’s trip home from Florida ended in a frightening crash after the authorities said another driver deliberately forced their SUV off the highway during an alleged road rage incident.
According to investigators, the family had been traveling together on Saturday evening when a confrontation escalated on a Florida roadway. Deputies alleged the suspect repeatedly harassed one of the vehicles before turning his attention to a second SUV carrying a man, his wife, and their young child.
The authorities said the driver allegedly threw objects at the SUV, repeatedly slammed on his brakes, and made erratic gestures while driving. Investigators further alleged he intentionally used his vehicle to perform a PIT-style maneuver, sending the family’s SUV off the roadway where it spun into a barbed-wire fence.
After the crash, the family left the damaged SUV and hid nearby until deputies arrived. Although the collision caused significant damage, no injuries were reported.
Investigators said the incident began earlier when the suspect allegedly pursued the child’s aunt through the parking lot of a gas station before following her onto the highway. The authorities alleged he repeatedly attempted to force her off the road. She called 911 and ultimately escaped by driving the wrong way up an exit ramp.
Deputies later located the suspect at a nearby gas station. According to investigators, he claimed the family had crashed into him and was taking his money. The authorities said there was no evidence the victims knew him or had any prior connection to the incident.
The 36-year-old Florida man was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated child abuse, and reckless driving. During the investigation, deputies also found a dog inside his vehicle that they said had been stolen from someone he had been dating. The animal was safely returned to its owner. He was booked into the county jail and held on a $20,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.