Cedar Rapids man accused of waving gun during road rage incident

Hunter
05/03/24

A Cedar Rapids man was arrested after allegedly weaving in and out of traffic and brandishing a weapon at one driver.

The incident occurred during the morning commute on Southbound I380 around 6:15am.  The Joint Emergency Communication Center received a phone call from a motorist who was traveling near mile marker #4. They said a heavy-set bald man was driving a Chevy Silverado and brake-checked them before he flashed a handgun at them due to a road rage incident. The victim stated they feared for their life over the incident.

The victim was able to provide a license plate number on the truck, and deputies located the vehicle at the 87 mile marker on Highway 218. It was being driven by 36-year-old Shawn Pettit of 26th Street SE.

Pettit admitted to having a gun, and it was reportedly located in the center console.  He also allegedly admitted to weaving in and out of traffic while driving fast.  Pettit said there was a road rage incident over the victim’s driving, but he denied flashing the gun at the victim.

Pettit was charged with Assault while displaying a Dangerous Weapon and could be sentenced to up to two years in jail if convicted.