OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) — A Thumb-area man is facing charges after he pulled a handgun on another driver in a road rage incident in Rochester Hills, the Oakland County Sherriff's Office said.
Kevin Malloch of Columbiaville, was arraigned on Friday at 52nd District Court and set to be released from the Oakland County Jail on a $5,000 personal bond.
The 40-year-old's arrest came after a road altercation between him and another driver around 6 am. Thursday morning, according to OCSO.
“It is hard to understand why people escalate daily driving situations into road rage,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “It’s dangerous, it’s not worth it, and it’s criminal. Pull off and take a breath. This individual will be held accountable for pointing a firearm at a fellow driver.”
Related
Deputies were called to the area of Rochester Industrial Drive and West Hamlin Road after another driver reported that Malloch had pointed a gun at him after the two exchanged words regarding a road dispute.
The victim, a 54-year-old Lapeer resident, said he was traveling to work with his two adult son when he ended up driving behind Malloch. The victim said Malloch abruptly hit his breaks multiple times and slowed his speed while driving on Crooks Road just south of Avon Road.
Eyewitnesses said Malloch and the victim were both driving fast, while the victim claimed Malloch's driving was slowing down traffic.
Officials said when the two drivers reached Hamlin Road and Rochester Industrial Drive, the victim pulled up next to Malloch and confronted him about his "erratic driving."
Malloch answered by aiming a small black gun at the victim and asked if he was afraid.
Deputies said the victim took off, scratching the side of Malloch's car in the process and dialed 911.
Patrol cars were dispatched to the area and located Malloch's vehicle. According to deputies, Malloch came right up to them and said they were most likely searching for him.
Deputies arrested Malloch without incident after they found an unloaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun in the trunk of Malloch's vehicle with a magazine nearby.
Malloch faces a 5-year felony for one charge of carrying a concealed weapon and a 90-day misdemeanor for another charge of brandishing a weapon in public.
He is due back in court March 14.
Related
Police said