A Charlotte County road rage incident ended with a gun fired and a 65-year-old man in jail, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies arrested 65-year-old Stephan M. Clark and charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. The confrontation happened shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, October 26, near Tribune Boulevard and Tamiami Trail.
Two 911 calls, two vehicles
The Sheriff’s Office received separate 911 calls from people involved in the incident. Road Patrol deputies went to the area and found both vehicles, a white SUV and a red pickup truck, along with their drivers.
The SUV had visible bullet holes and a flat tire. Because firearms were involved, deputies called in the Major Case Unit.
What detectives say happened
Detectives interviewed each driver separately. They determined that Clark, who drove the SUV, was angry that the pickup driver had intentionally blown thick black smoke while in front of him. The two drivers exchanged angry words and hand gestures.
Clark then approached the pickup driver again and pulled a gun from a holster in his waistband, detectives said. The other driver pulled his own firearm out of fear.
That driver fired at the front tire of Clark’s SUV, trying to disable it so he could get away and call law enforcement. He aimed at the tire to avoid hitting Clark, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Statement contradicted
Clark told detectives he never drew his weapon. The pickup driver contradicted that. He described where Clark’s gun sat on his body, its color and other details that detectives said only someone who saw the weapon could know.
Based on the full investigation, deputies arrested Clark. The other driver faces no charges at this time, but the Sheriff’s Office turned the case over to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.
Clark was still being processed at the Charlotte County Jail when the Sheriff’s Office issued its release Wednesday.
Sheriff: “Take a minute and breathe”
Sheriff Bill Prummell used the arrest to warn drivers about escalating traffic disputes.
“If you are unable to control your emotions while driving, then you should stay off the roads. Everyone gets frustrated at times with traffic or the recklessness of individuals, but that is not a reason to escalate the situation by brandishing a firearm. This entire situation was avoidable, and it could have resulted in far worse consequences than an arrest. People need to take a minute and breathe before reaching for a gun. I am tired of irresponsible gun owners creating problems for everyone else.”
An arrest is an accusation. Clark is presumed innocent unless a court finds otherwise.