DUI Driver Threatened Man With Gun During Road Rage Incident: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A man is accused of threatening another driver with what was later determined to be a BB gun during a road rage incident last Wednesday night in Wallingford, according to police.

Police responded around 10:10 p.m. on April 15 to the area of Woodhouse Avenue and Harrison Road on the report of suspicious activity involving a firearm.

The complainant told police that while traveling in the area, a black pickup-style truck crossed the double yellow line and nearly collided with his vehicle.

“Both vehicles came to a stop, at which point the truck reversed and positioned itself parallel to the complainant’s vehicle,” police wrote in a news release. “During a brief verbal altercation, the operator of the truck allegedly brandished a firearm equipped with a red laser and pointed it at the complainant. The suspect then fled the scene, and the incident was promptly reported to police.”

Responding officers broadcast the description of the suspect vehicle to units in the area, according to police.

Police said officers assigned to the department’s Crime Suppression Unit recognized the vehicle as belonging to Wayne McCarthy, 42, of Wallingford.

Officers responded to the area of McCarthy’s home and saw him driving a black pickup truck matched the suspect vehicle’s description, according to police.

Police said a traffic stop was conducted with the assistance of a K-9 unit.

“Initially, McCarthy did not comply with the officers’ verbal commands,” police wrote. “While officers continued to issue verbal commands, officers who were undetected approached the vehicle and opened the door. At that time, they observed what appeared to be a firearm with an attached laser on the passenger seat.

“McCarthy was subsequently ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident. The weapon was later determined to be a BB gun designed to closely resemble a real firearm and equipped with a laser sight.”

McCarthy was arrested on charges of illegal use of a facsimile firearm, first-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace, illegal possession of weapon in a motor vehicle, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond with a court date of April 29.