Scary Saw Mill Road Rage Incident Leads To Federal Case

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A dangerous road rage incident may have revealed even more serious federal crimes, according to Westchester County police.

"WCPD officers arrested two men after a road rage incident a few days ago on the Saw Mill River Parkway," Westchester County Public Safety officials said in a statement. "While there are always consequences for road rage, this time we made a federal case about it."

The perilous situation kicked off around 10:30 a.m. on Monday of last week, according to police. The two drivers involved first exchanged words at a traffic light in Yonkers. The passenger in one of the cars eventually brandished a gun and pointed it at the driver of the second car, according to witnesses.

The victim sped off and dialed 911, but the suspect vehicle, a Chrysler 300, followed him, according to police. Dispatchers stayed on the line with the victim and he reported their locations as both cars traveled northbound.

Meanwhile, the Westchester County Police Department sent specialized units. Police tried to pull the Chrysler over in the Elmsford area, but the driver would not stop and attempted to exit the parkway at Exit 25 (Route 9A) in Hawthorne.

The driver of the Chrysler misjudged the tricky exit and crashed. Officers removed the driver and the passenger from the wrecked Chrysler and placed them into custody.

An extended magazine with 13 rounds of 9 mm ammunition was found under a front seat, along with two other loose bullets, according to police. A flashing light coming from something tucked away in the rear seat led to the recovery of an unloaded Polymer80 9 mm handgun, also known as a "ghost gun," which had a green laser sight attached.

The two suspects were also found to be convicted felons who have served jail time for violent crimes — one of them still on parole. The FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which includes federal agents and Westchester law enforcement, became involved in the follow-up investigation.
The matter was subsequently turned over to the FBI for criminal charges. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

"Nice job by all WCPD personnel involved. We’re grateful for the support from our federal partners," WCPD said in the statement. "And it’s good to know this gun is off the street and out of the hands of convicted felons."