Armed Trucker Threatens La Grange Driver: Cops

LA GRANGE, IL – In a road rage incident, an armed trucker threatened to shoot a La Grange resident driving to work, police said.

The trucker, identified as Joseph Jackson, 44, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was headed north on La Grange Road about 7:30 a.m. March 13.

A car driven by a resident then turned north from 51st Street onto La Grange Road.

Jackson told officers that the resident turned suddenly onto the street, prompting him to change lanes to avoid a crash, according to a police report obtained by Patch.

Jackson said the other driver repeatedly changed lanes to get in front of Jackson's semi-tractor, which had no trailer at the time, police said.

At Cossitt Avenue, they were stopped at a traffic light. Jackson said he then got out of his truck with his pistol in his right hand, police said. Jackson said he told the other driver, "Are you f------ crazy? I oughta shoot you," according to the report.

Jackson said he then got back into his truck and drove forward when the light turned green.

The other driver said he saw Jackson's pistol and told the trucker, "Don't shoot me. Don't shoot me," the report said.

Asked whether he provoked Jackson, the other driver said he did nothing illegal, police said.

An officer told the resident that the police could check nearby camera footage. The driver then said he did not want to file a complaint against Jackson and just wanted the situation to end.

The report said camera footage showed the resident pulling in front of Jackson's truck and applying his brakes for no reason, which continued until Cossitt.

In the video, Jackson held a pistol, but did not point it, police said.

The trucker was charged with unlawful use of a weapon. He was released and given an April court date.

Jackson's .45-caliber pistol was kept as evidence, police said.