Two men arrested after road rage incident leads to shooting in Port St. Lucie
SEBASTIAN, Fla. —
Two men were arrested after a road rage incident escalated into a shooting near SW California Boulevard and SW Brevity Terrace on Sept. 17, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
Investigators determined the incident began as a misunderstanding between two drivers. One driver believed he was being followed after changing lanes and merging from SW Crosstown Parkway, where the vehicles had crossed paths, and one driver thought the other had cut him off. However, police said the investigation revealed there was no intentional following.
One of the drivers, identified as 57-year-old Tylon Kukielka, was traveling with his girlfriend to her home after visiting a local restaurant. The other driver, identified as 41-year-old Dean Plotts, happened to be traveling in the same direction and onto the same streets.
As the vehicles continued, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation near SW Brevity Terrace. During the altercation, Kukielka fired a handgun, striking Plotts twice.
A St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was in the area traveling on SW California Boulevard observed the incident and detained Kukielka. Plotts sustained gunshot wounds to his left wrist and legs and was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital for treatment. Kukielka was also transported for medical evaluation.
Detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence, including shell casings, surveillance video, dash cam footage, and other physical evidence.
Based on the evidence collected, witness information, video footage, and statements obtained during the investigation, detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Kukielka with attempted homicide – murder, dangerous depraved without premeditation, a first-degree felony under Florida Statute 782.04(2).
Detectives also determined there was probable cause to charge Plotts with burglary with assault or battery, a felony under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(a).
Both men were taken into custody in connection with the investigation, which remains ongoing.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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