Polk County deputies arrested a 64-year-old man for pointing a gun at a family during a road rage incident.
The incident happened on Sunday morning, December 14, after detectives responded to Mary Holland Park in Bartow.
Victims said Stephen J. Phillips, of Mulberry, was driving erratically and performed a “brake check” in front of them, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
After they passed Phillips’ car, both he and the victims were stopped side-by-side at a traffic light.
The victims said Phillips pulled out a gun and pointed it at them with his finger on the trigger, while making repeated racial slurs that put them in fear for their lives.
Phillips, after initially lying, admitted he pulled the gun out but said he didn’t point it at the victims.
The victims provided a photo showing Phillips holding up a .22 caliber Phoenix Arms HP firearm, according to the press release.
Officials charged Phillips with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and improper exhibition of a firearm.
Both charges are felonies.