A road rage incident in Port St. Lucie resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old woman on Saturday after she reportedly brandished a handgun at other motorists. The incident occurred near Northwest University and Northwest California boulevards in St. Lucie West, according to Port St. Lucie Police.

Details of Road Rage Incident Port St. Lucie

Nicolle Marie Peith, 43, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. Officer Brittany Holly, spokesperson for Port St. Lucie Police, stated that Peith was driving a Nissan SUV below the posted speed limit due to another slow-moving vehicle ahead of her.

According to Holly, the victims behind Peith began honking their horn, leading to escalating tensions. Kyleigh Pinon, 21, of Okeechobee, who was traveling with her girlfriend, described the incident as frightening.

Victim’s Account of the Incident

Pinon and her girlfriend were on their way to a food event at Clover Park when they encountered Peith driving approximately 10 mph below the speed limit. Pinon attempted to pass Peith, who then allegedly rolled down her window, waved a handgun, and forced Pinon’s vehicle off the road.

“She looked very angry,” Pinon said. “I went to pass her, and she rolled down her window, waved her gun, and ran us off the side of the road.”

After regaining control of her vehicle, Pinon called 911. Peith reportedly continued to wave the weapon and eventually exited her vehicle, pointing the firearm directly at Pinon’s windshield.

“She was like, ‘Do you want me to (expletive) shoot you guys?'” Pinon recounted. Her girlfriend informed Peith that they were already on the phone with the police, who instructed them to move to a safe location.

Police Response and Arrest

Port St. Lucie Police officers quickly responded to the scene and arrested Peith, who admitted to brandishing a Glock handgun during the incident. Peith explained to police that she believed the other vehicle was following her, though Pinon and her girlfriend clarified they were simply headed to a nearby event at Clover Park.

Officer Holly emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontation in road rage situations. “Don’t engage,” Holly advised. “Call 911, provide the plate, make, and model of the vehicle, and we can handle it from there.”

Children Present During Incident

Police confirmed that Peith had children in her vehicle at the time of the incident. She indicated she was on her way to drop them off at a sleepover when the confrontation occurred. No injuries were reported.

Legal Proceedings and Bond

Peith was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail and later released on a $10,000 bond. It remains unclear whether she has secured legal representation.

Despite the incident, Pinon and her girlfriend continued with their plans and attended the food event at Clover Park. “We’re not going to let her ruin our day,” Pinon stated. “We had a great time.”

Road Rage Prevention Tips from Authorities

Port St. Lucie Police recommend the following steps to avoid escalation during road rage incidents:

• Do not engage or retaliate.
• Maintain a safe distance from aggressive drivers.
• Call 911 immediately if threatened.
• Provide authorities with detailed vehicle information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Rage Incident Port St. Lucie

What is considered a road rage incident?

A road rage incident involves aggressive or violent behavior by a driver, such as yelling, honking excessively, threatening, or using weapons. It often occurs due to frustration or anger while driving. In one notable case, a St. Lucie County deputy was arrested following a road rage and burglary incident, highlighting the seriousness of such behavior.

How much jail time can someone get for road rage in Port St. Lucie?

Jail time for road rage incidents varies based on charges. For aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, penalties can include several years in prison, probation, and fines.

Are there ways to avoid road rage incidents?

Yes, drivers can avoid road rage by staying calm, not engaging with aggressive drivers, and reporting dangerous behaviors to authorities immediately. Following Port St. Lucie police tips for avoiding traffic tickets can also help reduce stress and prevent confrontations on the road.

Can you report road rage incidents anonymously in PSL?

Yes, you can report road rage anonymously by calling 911 or local law enforcement. Provide details such as vehicle description, license plate, and location.

Where are road rage incidents most common in Port St. Lucie?

Road rage incidents can occur anywhere, but busy intersections and congested areas like St. Lucie West and major thoroughfares are more prone to aggressive driving incidents.

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