DUBOIS – A “road rage” incident has led to the arrest of a 36-year-old DuBois man for terroristic threats, simple assault and related charges.
At approximately 12:37 p.m. Thursday, reports were received concerning a disturbance in the Wal-Mart parking lot, according to a news release issued by Sandy Township police.
Later, police learned it actually began as “road rage” incident at the intersection of state Route 255/Bee Line Highway and Industrial Drive.
The suspect – identified as Michael S. McKendrick – was a passenger in a gray Dodge Dakota. McKendrick had reportedly followed the victim into the parking lot and confronted him.
When McKendrick confronted the victim at first, he allegedly brandished a knife and threatened him. This, police say, caused the victim to grab a weed-eater to defend himself.
McKendrick proceeded to brandish a black pistol, pulling the hammer back and threatening the victim again, according to the news release.
The victim ran to his vehicle and fled the parking lot; however, McKendrick and his female driver reportedly pursued him north on SR 255.
The victim, along with other witnesses, called 911. Township police then observed the described gray Dodge pick-up truck in the area of Morningside Cemetery.
Local officers conducted a traffic stop of the suspect vehicle, just before the Snappy’s Convenience Store. McKendrick and his female driver were taken into custody.
When the investigation didn’t turn up the pistol, McKendrick told police he’d thrown it out the window along SR 255. During a search of the area, officers found a CO2 BB pistol in some weeds.
McKendrick was arraigned on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct before Magisterial District Judge Michael Morris.
Unable to post $50,000 bail, McKendrick was housed in the Clearfield County Jail. He’s scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing during centralized court June 28.
Police say his female driver was on probation, and she was detained with charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance currently pending.
