A Fairlawn man is facing charges for allegedly pointing a gun at another driver on Interstate 77 during a road rage incident.
According to Bath Township police, it happened around 10 p.m. on June 14.
During a 911 call, a 21-year-old driver from Bath Township told the operator he was following a man who had tailgated him before pointing the pistol.
"I just had somebody point a gun at me in the car on the freeway going southbound on 77 south," he said.
Police were able to locate Robert Sweatman's vehicle and conduct a traffic stop on the Ghent Road overpass.
In his car, officers found a gun in the center console with a round in the chamber and 11 more in the magazine. Officers also located brass knuckles.
The 45-year-old was charged with improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a felony, as well as misdemeanor aggravated menacing.
During the arrest, Sweatman denied flashing a gun.
"I didn't show no damn gun. That guy had his brights on me and I pointed my cell phone at him," he told officers.
When reached for comment on Monday, Sweatman said, "I'm not guilty."
He referred all other comments to his his attorney, who has not returned a call from newsnet5.com.
Bath Township Police Chief Mike McNeely said the road rage incident could have ended much worse and he hopes it sends a message to all drivers.
"If you become involved in an incident like this, just back off and do as our victim did. Contact the police. I wouldn't even follow at a safe distance. I would just back off from the gentleman and let the police handle it," McNeely said.
