The Comox Valley RCMP have arrested and charged a 37-year-old man in relation to an apparent road rage incident on the night of May 19.
The investigation revealed the incident started with a 2002 Ford Escape tailgating a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado truck while heading south on the Dyke (Comox) Road in Courtenay.
The 31-year-old driver of the Chevrolet pickup is alleged to have slammed on its brakes, which led the driver of the Ford Escape to swerve. Both drivers appear to have exchanged heated words at this point, and the driver of the Ford Escape is alleged to have pulled out a handgun (now known to be a pellet gun), and fired it in the direction of the other vehicle.
The driver of the Ford Escape was located by police in his vehicle a short time later, and was arrested by responding officers at gun point. He is now facing charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
A 21-year-old female passenger in the vehicle is also facing charges of obstruction. Both will be attending court at a later date.
“This is a reminder of how quickly incidents of aggressive driving can escalate into criminal acts," states Const. Don Sinclair of the Comox Valley RCMP.
“Any gun, whether imitation or not, that is used to threaten or intimidate another person is considered a weapon and we will pursue criminal charges against the person using it.”