A road rage incident on the New York State Thruway escalated into a roadside fight involving a weapon, resulting in multiple charges against a northern New York man, according to state police.
Troopers say Jason S. Wendt, 47, of Calcium, was arrested April 6 following the confrontation on Interstate 90 westbound in the town of Batavia.
Authorities responded around 7:43 a.m. after a crash involving a 2022 Ford and a Peterbilt tractor-trailer. Investigators determined Wendt had stopped suddenly in traffic, causing the tractor-trailer to rear-end his vehicle.
Both drivers pulled onto the shoulder, where the situation quickly escalated. Police say the truck driver approached Wendt’s vehicle, and Wendt opened his door, nearly pushing the man into an active lane of traffic.
The two men then began fighting in the roadway. During the altercation, Wendt allegedly pulled out a pocketknife and threatened the other driver.
Wendt was taken into custody and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, menacing and assault.
He was processed at State Police barracks in Batavia and transported to the Genesee County Jail for arraignment.
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