Police say a routine afternoon drive in Port St. Lucie turned terrifying on Tuesday when a 78-year-old man allegedly pulled a loaded handgun and pointed it at a full-term pregnant driver during a road-rage confrontation. The woman told officers she feared for her safety after a pickup truck pulled alongside her car as she exited I-95. No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains active.
What Officers Say Happened
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the confrontation unfolded around 2:42 p.m. Tuesday as the woman headed east on St. Lucie West Boulevard after getting off I-95. Investigators say an aggressive driver in a yellow Chevrolet pickup swung up next to her at the intersection of Southwest Peacock Boulevard and Southwest St. Lucie West Boulevard. When she lowered her window, the driver allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her. She later shared video that captured the truck as it left the scene.
Using the truck’s license plate, officers identified the registered owner as 78-year-old Robert Kniceley, who they say cooperated with investigators. Police report they recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .22 from his home and determined there was probable cause to charge him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to CBS12.
Video And Arrest
Video of the encounter circulated in local coverage, showing the yellow pickup pull alongside the victim’s vehicle, then take off. Local station footage and reporting later show officers arresting Kniceley and taking him to the St. Lucie County Jail as the case moves forward, per CBS News Miami.
Risk Protection Orders And The Law
Officers told reporters they have started the process of seeking a risk protection order to remove firearms as part of the investigation. Under Florida’s risk protection order law, law enforcement can petition a court for a temporary ex parte order, followed by a hearing. If a final order is issued, it can prohibit someone from possessing firearms for up to 12 months, according to Florida Statutes §790.401.
Police Reminder
The Port St. Lucie Police Department used the incident as a cautionary tale for drivers, warning that, “A moment of frustration can quickly turn into a criminal offense with serious consequences,” as reported by CBS12. Investigators are asking anyone who may have additional video or information about the incident to contact the department.
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