A road rage incident led to the arrest of a 47-year-old Dunnellon man after he allegedly fired his shotgun at a vehicle that followed him home.
On Thursday, September 26, at around 11:50 a.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the intersection of SW 113th Place and SW 134th Court in reference to an alleged road rage incident involving a firearm, according to the arrest report.
Upon arrival at the intersection, the deputy made contact with the victim who advised that he was driving westbound on Highway 484 when a Chevrolet pickup truck began “tailgating” him. The deputy noted that the driver of the truck was later identified as Jason Frank Wagner.
According to the report, Wagner’s truck eventually drove past the victim, and the victim “followed (Wagner)” through a neighborhood. The victim advised that he wanted to speak with Wagner to clarify why he was “tailgating and sticking up his middle finger.”
When Wagner parked his truck in front of a residence, he allegedly grabbed a shotgun and fired a single round at the victim’s vehicle. The victim told the deputy that he was “in fear for his life.”
The deputy noted in the report that the front driver’s side tire of the victim’s vehicle was deflated, causing approximately $250 worth of damage. The victim alleged that Wagner had shot the tire during the incident.
After speaking with the victim, the deputy drove to Wagner’s residence and made contact with him. After being read his Miranda rights, Wagner stated that that the victim was “driving reckless” on Highway 484, according to the report.
During the post-Miranda interview, Wagner stated that he passed the victim’s vehicle because the victim was “driving slow.” He advised that the victim followed him to his residence, and an argument ensued when the victim stepped out of his vehicle.
According to Wagner’s statement, the victim yelled at him, “Now I know where you live (expletive).” Wagner then allegedly grabbed his shotgun and fired a single round in a ditch located in the victim’s general direction.
The report stated that a 12-gauge shotgun was found in a shed located on Wagner’s property. Inside the shotgun, the deputy observed a “spent 12-gauge slug casing and two slug rounds still in the tube.”
Wagner was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail. He is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and criminal mischief with less than $1,000 in damages.
As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, a booking photo of Wagner was not yet available.