October 28, 2026 – Punta Gorda, FL
A road rage incident results in shots fired, one man arrested.
Shortly after 1pm on Monday, October 26, 2026, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received separate 911 calls from individuals who were involved in a road rage incident which resulted in a gun being fired. Road Patrol deputies responded to the area of Tribune Boulevard and Tamiami Trail, locating both of the vehicles involved (a white SUV and a red pickup truck) and their respective drivers. The white SUV had observable bullet holes and a flat tire. Due to the involvement of firearms, the Major Case Unit was contacted to investigate.
Detectives with the Major Case Unit met with each party separately and obtained statements about what had transpired. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the white SUV, Stephan M. Clark (4/18/1961), was upset about the red pickup truck intentionally blowing thick black smoke while in front of him. This resulted in an angry exchange and hand gestures. Clark then re-engaged the driver of the red pickup truck after the initial incident and pulled a gun from the holster in his waistband, prompting the other driver to pull his own firearm out of fear. The other driver fired at the front tire of Clark’s vehicle in an attempt to disable it so he could get away and call law enforcement. The driver specifically aimed in that area to avoid hitting Clark.
The driver was able to describe in detail where Clark’s firearm was on his person, its color, and other details that could only be described by having seen it. This contradicted Clark’s statement that he never drew his weapon during the incident. Based on the totality of the investigation, Clark was placed under arrest and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Without Intent to Kill. At this time, there are no charges for the other driver. However, the case has been turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.
“If you are unable to control your emotions while driving, then you should stay off the roads. Everyone gets frustrated at times with traffic or the recklessness of individuals, but that is not a reason to escalate the situation by brandishing a firearm. This entire situation was avoidable, and it could have resulted in far worse consequences than an arrest. People need to take a minute and breathe before reaching for a gun. I am tired of irresponsible gun owners creating problems for everyone else.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
Clark is still being processed at the Charlotte County Jail at the time of this release.
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