A truck driver who was seen on video firing shots at another semi-truck during a road rage dispute on Interstate 75 has pled not guilty to several felony charges in the case.
Dylan Nissan Belleastin, 43, entered the plea in Marion County court on Monday, March 11. Belleastin, who is from Virginia, is facing charges of shooting a missile into a vehicle, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, and displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony.
In video provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Belleastin is seen firing several shots from a firearm towards a passing semi-truck on March 3.
On that day, an MCSO deputy responded to Love’s Travel Stop (7791 NW 47th Avenue) in reference to shots being fired at a vehicle. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a male victim who stated that he was driving a semi-truck southbound on I-75 when a man, later identified as Belleastin, threw a water bottle at his truck, according to the arrest report.
The victim advised that he initially pulled over to confront Belleastin, but he ultimately “decided against it” and drove away. According to the victim’s statement, Belleastin continued to follow him and eventually pulled alongside his vehicle.
While driving alongside the semi-truck, Belleastin allegedly pulled out a handgun. Still images from video inside the truck show the moment the firearm was retrieved.
Belleastin is then seen on video firing multiple shots with the firearm outside of his driver’s side window.
The deputy noted in the report that one of the rounds struck the frame of the mirror, one round shattered the passenger window, another round struck the interior driver’s side windshield, and three rounds hit the side of the truck. In total, the damages were estimated at $5,000.
The victim told the deputy that he “slammed on the brakes” to avoid being shot during the incident. The victim stated that he retrieved his own handgun when he “feared for his own life” and fired five rounds at Belleastin’s semi-truck during the incident.
After the shooting, Belleastin exited I-75 onto Highway 326 and pulled into the Love’s Travel Stop before driving away from the truck stop and continuing southbound on the interstate.
During the ensuing investigation, MCSO obtained dash camera footage from Belleastin’s semi-truck cab that helped authorities identify him as the suspect in the case.
In the video, Belleastin was also observed retrieving a second handgun and pointing it at the victim without firing.
On Wednesday, March 6, Belleastin was located by MCSO deputies in the 600 block of SW 52nd Avenue in Ocala. The sheriff’s office stated that United States Marshal Service agents assisted in the search for Belleastin.
After being placed under arrest, Belleastin was transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
According to Marion County court records, Belleastin is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. on April 9.