Family threatened by motorist with a gun in weekend road rage incident, police say

A man has been charged after a family was threatened by a motorist with a gun in a road rage incident on the Thanksgiving weekend, Calgary police say.

Around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, police were called for a report of a reckless driver on Blackfoot Trailwho threatened another driver with a firearm.

According to police, friends were travelling southbound on Blackfoot Trail S.E., in two vehicles with their children, when a white, 2019 Toyota Camry cut in between, causing the one behind to brake hard to avoid a collision.

The driver of the Camry allegedly drove erratically, honking the horn, overtaking the other vehicles then stopping on the roadway, blocking traffic on 42nd Avenue S.E.

The driver then exited the Camry, approached the familyand allegedly pulled a handgun and imitated loading his firearm in preparation to shoot. As this occurred, he was shouting profanities at the occupants of the other vehicles, police said in a statement.

The driver then got back in his car and drove off.

Officers later located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle travelling westbound on Glenmore Trail, turning in to the Grey Eagle Casino parking lot. The officers stopped the vehicle and took the suspect into custody.

Suspect had guns, wanted on trespassing warrant

Following the arrest, a number of items were seized from the vehicle, including a small handgun loaded with a round in the chamber and numerous rounds of .22-calibre ammunition in the magazine.

The motorist, who was determined to be a suspended driver, was wanted on a trespassing warrant and did not hold a valid firearms licence, police said.

The investigation is continuing and further charges may be laid.

The accused has been charged with:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
• Careless storage of a firearm.
• Pointing a firearm.
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
• Carrying a concealed weapon.
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Driving while suspended.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to next appear in court on Nov. 14.