BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 A man who rammed another vehicle with his Ford Expedition, knocking it into a canal, was found guilty Tuesday of two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving.<\/p>\n
Abel Almanza faces up to 13 years in prison at next month\u2019s sentencing hearing, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRoad rage is not just a momentary lapse in judgment \u2014 in many cases, it is a crime,\u201d District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. \u201cAllowing anger to override reason and using a two-ton vehicle as a deadly weapon can result in catastrophic consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said, \u201cThis conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving reflects our community\u2019s commitment to protecting innocent drivers from senseless violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the morning of June 23, 2020, a perceived slight from the driver of a Chrysler 300 as they traveled south on Highway 99 in the area of Ming Avenue led Almanza to pursue the other vehicle for miles, according to prosecutors and court filings.<\/p>\n
The other driver told investigators Almanza became \u201cextremely mad\u201d when he didn\u2019t allow Almanza to enter his lane.<\/p>\n
Almanza rolled down his window and shouted profanities at him, the driver said, then continued to follow him and refused to let him get off at the White Lane exit. The driver told investigators he managed to briefly get some distance from Almanza\u2019s SUV and exited the freeway at the Hosking Avenue off-ramp.<\/p>\n
Almanza continued to follow.<\/p>\n
As the Chevy tried to turn south onto South H Street, Almanza hit it, knocking it across traffic lanes and into the canal, the other driver and witnesses said.<\/p>\n
The driver and his wife \u2014 the sole passenger \u2014 managed to escape the partially submerged vehicle. Almanza stopped to ask if there were children in the car, then left.<\/p>\n
About 30 minutes later, Almanza flagged down an officer and said he had been involved in a crash, according to the filings. He told police about his anger issues and said he became upset when the other driver cut him off and \u201cbrake checked\u201d him.<\/p>\n
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