A West Haven man was arrested Saturday in Wallingford after police say he threw an ax at two people in a road rage incident.
According to a Wallingford police news release, Charles P. Smith, 33, of 171 Second Avenue in West Haven, was backing his car into traffic on South Turnpike Road shortly after noon at the Redwood Flea Market . Another driver honked at Smith, which made him angry, according to the release.
“Smith then drove his car around the victim’s car, slammed on his brakes, got out of his car, ran up to the victim and pulled the victim out of his car, causing a physical altercation,” the police report states. “The victim was able to take control of Smith to stop the fight. Smith then reached into the trunk of his car and retrieved an ax and began throwing it at the victim.
Another person tried to disarm Smith, police said, and Smith threw the ax at that person as well. Smith got into his car and drove away, but later returned. Police arrived at that time and found Smith in the road.
“The officer immediately ordered Smith to drop the ax and get on the ground. Smith dropped the ax but refused to listen to other commands. The officer then handcuffed Smith without incident,” states the report
Smith has been charged with one count of third-degree assault, two counts of second-degree breach of peace, two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. His bond was set at $2,500. He is scheduled to appear Sept. 9 in Meriden Superior Court.
The police report included a warning not to confront other motorists. “If you see someone committing multiple traffic violations or trying to engage you or others in a road rage incident, it’s safer to call the police and let us handle it rather than trying to manage the situation on your own,” the report states.
Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
