After a brief jury trial, 45-year-old Lawyel Louis Sloan was found guilty of Criminal Mischief for his actions during a 2022 road rage incident in Sumter County, Florida. The altercation, which escalated into a dangerous confrontation, led to a conviction for the felony offense.
The incident occurred on November 9, 2022, when Sumter County deputies were dispatched to a Center Hill residence after reports of an armed subject. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim and a witness who described a chaotic road encounter with Sloan. They reported that Sloan, driving erratically, cut them off and then swerved into a ditch, where he exited his vehicle to taunt them.
The victim and witness attempted to drive away, but Sloan blocked their path, ramming his shoulder into the front of their truck. As the witness called law enforcement, Sloan quickly left the scene. A short time later, the two spotted Sloan’s vehicle parked at a nearby residence and began taking photos to document the incident. Sloan confronted them, striking the victim’s shoulder during a verbal dispute. When the victim retaliated, Sloan grabbed a sword from his truck and brandished it, escalating the situation further. As the victim and witness fled, Sloan pursued them and struck their truck with the sword, causing a large scratch and dent.
When deputies arrived, they found Sloan visibly agitated and under the influence of alcohol. Following a review of the evidence and witness statements, he was placed under arrest.
“Using a weapon in a manner that endangers lives and public safety will not be tolerated,” stated Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “The jurors rejected the defendant’s testimony, weighed the evidence, and ultimately held him accountable for his reckless behavior and actions.”
Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and James Argento successfully prosecuted the case.
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