A Georgia man was charged by Florida Highway Patrol in the city of Alachua for brandishing a gun during a road rage incident Monday.
Shortly after noon, 27-year-old William Thorpe, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was driving southbound on Interstate 75 near mile marker 412, several miles outside Gainesville city limits. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Thorpe pointed the pistol at a vehicle with three passengers during the incident.
FHP responded to a Circle K gas station, 16080 NW Highway 441, where law enforcement had detained both Thorpe and his passenger.
The three passengers of the opposing car were brought to the scene. They identified Thorpe as the person who pointed the weapon, according to the report. Under questioning, Thorpe admitted to handling the weapon during the incident due to safety concerns.
Thorpe was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, which is a felony, improper exhibition of a firearm and knowingly driving with a suspended or revoked license, both misdemeanors.
Thorpe remains in Alachua County jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond. He was appointed a public defender who was unable to be reached for comment on Thorpe’s behalf.
Thorpe
