Oklahoma man charged in road rage

Historic City News received word that, last night, a 27 year-old Oklahoma man was arrested after he pulled and pointed a rifle at teenagers in a car after an argument at a traffic light in Palm Coast.

Deputies said Edward Lee Smith of 1521 Cherokee Rock Rd., Muldrow, OK, argued with a driver of a vehicle in the lane next to him at Old Kings Road and Palm Coast Parkway. While stopped, Smith got out of the vehicle and retrieved a rifle from the trunk and pointed it at the three teenage occupants of the other vehicle.

Rather than follow Smith’s vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle pulled over and reported the incident.

“This teenager did exactly what he should do – stopped, reported it and kept himself and his passengers out of danger,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming.

Two teenagers in Smith’s car told deputies that when Smith got near the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, near the Flagler County Library, he stopped and put the rifle back into the trunk.

Deputies stopped Smith on US-1 southbound at Whiteview Parkway Wednesday night; where he was taken into custody.

“Road rage is a constant danger on the highways, whether it’s the interstate or local roads. Motorists need to have patience and above all, don’t engage in arguments while you’re driving. We want everyone to return home safely,” said Sheriff Fleming.

Smith was being held in the Flagler County Inmate Facility on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond is set at $3,000.