Kentucky State Police arrested an Alabama man on Interstate 24 in McCracken County on Tuesday after he allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at another motorist during a road rage confrontation, troopers said.
The suspect, identified as Darius L. Monroe, 29, of Huntsville, Alabama, was taken into custody without incident near the 16-mile marker of I-24 westbound, approximately five miles east of the Tennessee River bridge. He faces charges of first-degree wanton endangerment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and second-degree fleeing or evading police.
The incident began around 2:15 p.m. when another motorist called 911 to report that a driver in a grey Dodge Charger had tailgated him aggressively for several miles before pulling alongside and brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun. Troopers located the Charger minutes later and initiated a traffic stop. Monroe initially accelerated before pulling over approximately half a mile down the road. A loaded Glock 9mm pistol was recovered from the centre console.
A records check revealed Monroe had a prior felony conviction in Alabama, prohibiting him from legally possessing a firearm. His driver's licence had also been suspended.
Monroe was transported to the McCracken County Jail on a $15,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5th.
The motorist who placed the original 911 call was not injured. KSP officials credited his calm response — staying on the line with dispatchers and providing detailed vehicle information — as critical to the rapid apprehension of the suspect.
First-degree wanton endangerment is a Class D felony in Kentucky, carrying a sentence of one to five years. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class C felony, punishable by five to ten years.