A Reading man is in Berks County Jail after Exeter Township police accused him of firing a handgun from a pickup truck during a rolling road‑rage confrontation with another armed motorist on Route 422.
Luis A. Miranda Rivera, 41, of the 1200 block of Chestnut Street faces charges of reckless endangerment, simple assault, making terroristic threats and possessing an instrument of crime. He was jailed in lieu of $40,000 bail following arraignment Sunday before District Judge Brian K. Strand in Reading Central Court.
According to court records:
Exeter police were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of a man firing a gun from a black Lincoln SUV traveling west on Route 422 near Daniel Boone Road.
Officers stopped a vehicle matching that description in the 4900 block of Perkiomen Avenue and took the driver, identified as Miranda Rivera, and a woman in the front passenger seat into custody. Three children were in the back seat.
After being placed in a patrol car, Miranda Rivera was asked if there were weapons in the SUV. He said there was a gun in the glove box. Officers recovered a handgun with an extended 31‑round magazine inserted; two rounds were missing.
While searching the vehicle for shell casings, police found a small bag on the driver’s seat containing a 15‑round magazine. An empty holster was found between the front seats.
Police then interviewed the 911 caller, who said the other driver pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at him. He was asked to come to the station to provide a written statement.
At the police station, the complainant handed his own handgun to a sergeant before giving his account. He said he passed the Lincoln in the right lane because it was not moving. As he continued west in the left lane, he noticed the Lincoln tailgating him about a mile later.
The Lincoln then pulled alongside his pickup, and the driver — Miranda Rivera — displayed a gun. The complainant said he showed his own firearm in response.
The vehicles continued westbound. At a traffic signal, the complainant asked Miranda Rivera why he was following him. Miranda Rivera tried to get him to pull over. Moments later, the complainant said he heard a gunshot and called 911.
Miranda Rivera gave police his statement in which he admitted firing the gun but aiming for the ground. Investigators noted several inconsistencies, including the position of the other vehicle when he fired.
He was also charged with driving without a license.
The passenger was released after the investigation concluded.