Couple reports gun threat during road rage on Athens Perimeter
A couple traveling on the Athens Perimeter reported to police recently that a stranger threatened them with a gun in an apparent fit of road rage.
The Athens-Clarke police report released this week shows the assault occurred at about 6 p.m. Feb. 29 involving a man driving a red Dodge pickup with a Tennessee license plate.
The victim, a 59-year-old Oglethorpe County man, told the officer that the pickup had been tailgating him so he moved into another lane.
The pickup then pulled alongside him and the driver, a white male with brown hair, pointed a gun that looked like a 9mm, according to the report. The man said the driver also waved for him to pull over, but the driver said he became fearful and exited the bypass at Atlanta Highway and called 911.
The man’s passenger, a 54-year-old Elberton woman, also told the officer the gun was pointed at her.
Police Lt. Jody Thompson said Thursday that the case has been assigned to a detective.
The road rage incident was the second reported that same day. The other case involved a woman becoming angry when another motorist blew a horn at her and she responded by throwing a bottle and hitting the motorist in the mouth.
Road Rage: Athens woman assaulted with Dr. Pepper bottle after honking at motorist
AAA offered these tips on how best to respond if you're confronted with an aggressive driver:
Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.
When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.
Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.
If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
If you feel threatened, call 911.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Couple reports tailgating on Athens Perimeter turns into gun threat
