PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A 78-year-old Port St. Lucie man was arrested after police say he pointed a loaded handgun at a full-term pregnant driver during a road rage incident in St. Lucie West.
The incident happened on June 9 at about 2:42 p.m. as the pregnant victim was traveling eastbound on St. Lucie West Boulevard after exiting Interstate 95, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department. The woman told investigators she encountered an aggressive driver in a yellow Chevrolet pickup truck who began honking and driving erratically.
Police said the driver, later identified as Robert Kniceley, pulled alongside the victim’s vehicle at the intersection of Southwest Peacock Boulevard and Southwest St. Lucie West Boulevard. When the woman lowered her window to see what was wrong, Kniceley allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.
The incident happened on June 9 at about 2:42 p.m. as the victim was traveling eastbound on St. Lucie West Boulevard after exiting Interstate 95, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department. The woman told investigators she encountered an aggressive driver in a yellow Chevrolet pickup truck who began honking and driving erratically. (PSLPD)
The victim, who is in the late stages of pregnancy, told officers she feared for her safety. She later provided video footage that captured the suspect vehicle leaving the scene.
Using the license plate information, officers identified Kniceley as the registered owner of the truck and went to his home to continue the investigation. Police said Kniceley cooperated with officers and admitted to being the driver involved.
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During the investigation, officers recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .22 caliber handgun from the home. Authorities said the firearm had a round chambered and was capable of being fired immediately.
Based on statements, video evidence, and physical evidence, investigators established probable cause to charge Kniceley with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested and transported to the St. Lucie County Jail.
Officers also began the process to seek a risk protection order to remove firearms as part of the case.
“This incident serves as a reminder that disagreements on the roadway should never escalate to violence or the threat of violence,” police said in a statement. “A moment of frustration can quickly turn into a criminal offense with serious consequences.”
No injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.