SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — A 19-year-old from Alabama has been arrested following a road rage encounter in which a firearm was pointed at another vehicle, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The WCSO said a deputy responded on November 29 to reports of an armed road rage incident near Hamon Avenue and Highway 98 involving the driver of a black Toyota Tacoma who was alleged to have brandished a handgun.
As the deputy approached MC Davis Boulevard, dispatch notified him that the truck had turned north toward the Cumberland Farms gas station. The Tacoma was located shortly after on the west side of the parking lot.
When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the WCSO said two individuals got back into the truck, and the vehicle briefly shifted into reverse before being placed back into park. Both occupants were detained with the assistance of a second deputy.
Niceville.com Community Partner
According to the WCSO, the driver, identified as Walker Phillips of Troy, Alabama, is said to have pointed a black handgun at another vehicle during the encounter. Witnesses told deputies Mr Phillips became angry while attempting to pass another vehicle and retrieved a handgun from the center console before pointing it at the victims.
Deputies reportedly found a black Glock 43 handgun and a Winchester firearm inside the truck.
Mr Phillips was arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
With the holiday season underway, the WCSO encouraged residents and visitors to stay calm on the roads, reminding motorists that moments of frustration pass and are rarely worth risking harm or serious legal consequences.
Niceville.com Community Partner
