A road rage incident involving shots fired on a public highway not only resulted in charges but also a guilty plea by the individual who reported the incident to law enforcement.
Christopher Lee Hester entered his plea to the offense of aggravated assault in Jones County Superior Court Oct. 24. He was indicted for charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of felony by a Jones County Grand Jury July 19.
Hester was represented in the case by defense attorney Ashley Brodie.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Cara Fiore, and Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda Trammell accepted the plea.
Hester was arrested June 20 and charged with reckless conduct, discharge of firearms on a public highway, possession of a firearm during the commission or a felony, aggressive driving and aggravated assault.
The Oct. 24 plea was the result of negotiations with the state.
A report of the arrest by Jones County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jarrod Elrod stated Hester reported being rammed on Highway 18 East at approximately 10 p.m. June 20. Elrod said after speaking with the complainant, a ‘be on the lookout’ for a black SUV with damage to the rear end was put out by dispatch. The BOLO also advised that the complainant admitted to firing shots at the SUV.
Elrod said he and JCSO Deputy Danilo Riberio traveled north on Highway 49 in an attempt to intercept the black SUV and saw the vehicle making a right turn from Highway 18.
The officers performed a traffic stop and made contact with the SUV driver, who gave a different version of what had happened. The driver said Hester had been harassing him at work, and they had exchanged words at a convenience store that evening.
The driver reported Hester was parked in a turning lane on Highway 18 and pointed a gun at him when he pulled up next to him. The driver said he quickly drove away, and Hester followed behind in an aggressive manner.
It was reported that Hester fired four or five rounds and at least two had struck the SUV.
JCSO Deputy Nolan Sullivan met Hester at the Jones County Law Enforcement Center to speak to him, and Deputy Richard Langston spoke to the passenger.
The accounts from the parties involved were quite different.
Both vehicles were brought to the sheriff’s office, and following the inspection of the vehicles, Hester was placed under arrest.
Photos were taken of both. Two bullet holes were found in the tail gate of the SUV where projectiles had come through and lodged in the weatherstripping.
Shell casings were found inside Hester’s vehicle, and two guns were found inside of the cab. A rifle was found in the passenger’s seat.
RUSSELL W.WALL | ATTORNEY AT LAW 122 North Main St. Bte B. Greensboro, GA Office:7064530089 Fax:7064530094
