Drivers in Stafford argue; one charged

[OakRidgeStars]

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010 ... 010/569416

http://tinyurl.com/2czv4nw

Drivers in Stafford argue; one charged
Argument over driver's speed leads to charge against one motorist
BY KEITH EPPS
Date published: 8/18/2010


A Stafford County man was charged with brandishing a firearm following an incident yesterday that began when he commented on another man's slower driving, police said.

Sheriff's Office spokesman Bill Kennedy said the situation began around 12:30 p.m. The complainant told police he was driving north on U.S. 1 slightly below the speed limit when the suspect pulled up next to him and began yelling about his speed.

Kennedy said the men exchanged comments and hand gestures as they continued driving. The suspect eventually pulled to the shoulder of Corporate Drive in North Stafford, and the complainant pulled in behind him.

The two men then got out of the vehicles and continued their verbal dispute, Kennedy said.

At that point, the victim noticed that the suspect had a holster on his hip and a handgun in his right hand, which was down at his side.
The two then returned to their vehicles and the suspect began driving toward 925 Corporate Drive as the complainant followed him through the parking lot.

The complainant called the police when the suspect sat on his tailgate with the gun on his right hip, Kennedy said. He was advised to leave the area before the altercation escalated.

Deputies Jennifer Casares and Michael Shepherd responded to the call and escorted the complainant into an office complex. The suspect was spotted in a hallway, and the other man pointed him out. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Benjamin Beasley, 32, of Stafford was charged with the misdemeanor offense and released on his own recognizance.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com


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[chfaunce]

Dipsh*ts.

[allingeneral]

There's just no reason to pull over to the side of the road to "Settle it". Just keep driving and don't put yourself in a situation such as this. It's unfortunate for those of us who handle ourselves respectfully that this guy makes headlines and makes us all look bad.

[Pocono]

Before they confiscate this guys pistol we should first take and pistol whip him with it.

[SgtBill]

This whole thing is just wrong on both party's part, but the guy with the weapon is a real asswipe. Why have the weapon in your hand when you get out of the car unless you are a punk that is scared half to death and or you think that the weapon make's you so much bigger that people will back off right away. Yes a fool like this makes us all look bad but I don't see where the officers had any other choice but to make an arrest and let a judge figgure it out. This is not in their pay grade.
Bill

[9MMDerringer]

The world is full of mentally unstable people. That was pretty stupid of the second man (slow driver) to pull over to the shoulder to participate in the ongoing arguement/fight with this idiot. It is very hard to describe to a judge/police officer, etc that you were fearful when you voluntarily pulled over to engage in a fight or heated arguement with another person like this. Most of us have cell phones, and a quick call to 911 advising the dispatcher that a hostile angry motorist is trying to start a fight with you and you do not wish to participate would have been a better choice while you continue on your way down the road.

[Taggure]

I think back to the conversation that we had a week or so ago about brandishing is coming home to roost with real life examples.

Vern