AUSTIN (KXAN) — A fight between two drivers turned deadly on Friday after one man punched another man, who fell into traffic, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
John Paul Ramirez, 45, and Charles Allen Rice exited their vehicles near U.S. 290 and Nutty Brown Road in Hays County on Friday, Nov. 29. Witnesses told deputies that Rice punched Ramirez, who then was struck by an oncoming vehicle. First responders transported him to an Austin hospital where he died.
“It’s terrible,” said Hays County Sheriff-elect Anthony Hippolito. “It’s terrible anytime, but right in the middle of the holiday season,” Hippolito continued. “Someone’s family member is not coming home and not able to spend holidays with their loved ones.”
The Hays County Sheriff’s Department arrested Rice, who was charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony. He was released on a $25,000 bond, according to HCSO.
“It was essentially road rage, which led to an altercation, which led to the victim getting punched and subsequently knocked out, causing him to fall into the traffic,” Hippolito said. “This was 100% avoidable.”
Hippolito said that the HCSO is still investigating the incident. He urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Witnesses with any information should contact Detective Mike Bishop at 512-393-7818.
“Don’t let your emotions dictate how you drive and how you treat people,” Hipolito said. “It’s imperative we drive with patience — we drive being respectful and courteous of others, no matter how you’re being treated on the roadway.”
Are road rage incidents increasing?
According to a AAA survey, two out of three drivers feel aggressive driving is a “bigger issue” today than it was three years ago.
“Unfortunately, aggressive driving and the more extreme form of road rage is a growing problem all across the country,” said Doug Shupe, a spokesperson for AAA Texas.
Shupe said aggressive driving could be considered speeding, tailgating and cutting other drivers off. AAA found that aggressive drivers tend to be younger men. Further, men are three times more likely to purposefully hit another vehicle with theirs or get out of a car to confront another driver, according to the research.
“Be tolerant and forgiving. If somebody else does something to you, just let it pass. Let it let them go on,” Shupe said.