Channahon Man Brandished Gun During Road Rage Confrontation: Cops

A Channahon man pulled his gun on a young couple during a road rage confrontation to show them “he means business,” police said.

Craig Bartz, 65, who reportedly possessed a concealed carry license, was charged with aggravated assault in connection with the 3 p.m. incident in the parking lot of the West Jefferson Street Walmart.

Both Bartz and the other driver were heading east on Jefferson Street and had to merge into one lane due to roadwork about 3 p.m. Thursday, police said. Hard feelings apparently developed over this and both Bartz and the other driver, a 21-year-old, later accused each other of giving him the finger.

Bartz and the younger man also each claimed to have been followed by the other into the Walmart parking lot. But once there, police said, Bartz got out of his car and pulled a chrome .38-caliber revolver out of his waistband.

The younger man and his girlfriend, also 21, told officers that Bartz pointed the gun at them and said, “I’m going to blow your brains out.” They reportedly sped away after they were threatened.

The officers reportedly tracked Bartz down a short time later. He admitted to pulling his gun on the couple but denied pointing it at them or making any threats, police said, and explained that he merely wanted to show them he meant “business.”

The police took away Bartz’s gun and concealed carry license. He was released on his own recognizance.

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