Pflugerville Police Point To Recent Road Rage Incident To Deter Motorist Street Justice

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — Indulging in a bit of road rage may lead to instant gratification suffused with a sense of exacting street justice, but it can come at a heavy cost as Pflugerville police reminded the public in citing a recent case.

Last week, police arrested a suspect accused of throwing a brick through a motorist's car after taking umbrage when the other driver passed him on the roadway. According to police, the outraged motorcyclist in the case followed the motorist and threw a brick through a rear window of her car.

"The suspect stated that he was upset the day of the incident due to a maneuver that the victim made to pass his motorcycle and another vehicle in a residential area," police wrote on Facebook. "He followed the victim to her destination and threw a landscaping brick through the rear window of her passenger car after she exited the vehicle. He left the scene on his motorcycle and the victim attempted to follow him before flagging down an officer."

The damage to the woman's vehicle is estimated at upwards of $750, police said. The suspect, meanwhile, was booked into the Pflugerville Jail for unrelated warrants and charged with criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor, police said.

In other words, availing oneself of street justice is not worth it, police suggested. It's a reminder worth repeating — not just in Pflugerville, but anywhere.

"PPD would like to remind residents that justice for traffic offenses should be left in the hands of officers," police wrote. "Regardless of who has the perceived 'fault' in a road rage incident, causing damage to another’s vehicle can result in serious consequences for a driver."

Police also provided advice to anyone victimized by another motorist in the throes of traffic-induced fury.

"If you ever find yourself in the middle of a road rage incident and are worried about the other person following you home or to your place of work, you can call 911 and drive to the police department," police advised. "Anyone needing to report an aggressive driver can also call the police department with a description of the vehicle, license plate number, location and travel direction."

The motorcyclist hurling that brick probably felt a sense of release and satisfaction, readers. But after a stay at the local jail, he's now facing charges, fines, a day in court. The motorcyclist wasn't identified, as it's probably just as well given the mess he's found himself in with his actions. Adding to his troubles by publicizing his name and publishing his booking photo would probably set him off further anyway.

The lesson here: It just ain't worth it.

We found a helpful video by Dr. Christian Conte on the YouTube yielding a primer on how to deal with road rage. Often, Conte explains, such intense over-reaction can have tragic consequences.

For more helpful videos, input "how to deal with road rage" when going to YouTube. We're all in this together, folks. Let's try to get along, not succumb to anger and get home safe and sound.

Serenity now.

>>> Illustration by Stefan-Xp via Wikimedia Commons