A 20-year-old Lakeland man is facing felony charges after deputies say he pulled a gun on a family during a road‑rage confrontation on U.S. 92 in Auburndale, then later surrendered in Lakeland without a struggle.
According to a post by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on X, deputies responded at about 6 p.m. Tuesday after a road‑rage incident was reported at U.S. 92 and Taylor Road in Auburndale. The victim told deputies he was driving east with his wife and a small child when the other driver allegedly pointed a firearm at the couple.
Detectives later identified the suspect as 20-year-old Latravious Lanier of Lakeland, obtained an arrest warrant and went to a Providence Road residence where, according to the sheriff’s post, he surrendered and was booked into jail. The sheriff’s account also describes the suspect vehicle as a gray 2010 Toyota Camry and notes that Lanier has one prior arrest for battery.
Charges and what they mean
Lanier was booked on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, according to the sheriff’s post. Under Florida law, an "aggravated assault" is an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and is charged as a third-degree felony that can carry prison time if the person is convicted. See Florida Statutes § 784.021 for the statute.
A growing national problem
National reporting shows gun-involved road‑rage confrontations have climbed in recent years. One analysis found someone was wounded or killed in a road‑rage shooting roughly every 18 hours on average in 2023. The Trace reported the trend using data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive and noted the increased danger such confrontations pose to drivers and bystanders alike.
Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office or Heartland Crime Stoppers. The Polk County Sheriff's Office provided the initial account of the arrest and is handling the investigation.
