Deputies Arrest Man After Road Rage Incident

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at approximately 7:18 a.m., deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a road rage incident near the intersection of South 20th Avenue and Baseline Street in Cornelius.

A deputy, who was in the vicinity, observed the driver of a maroon Dodge Ram operating the vehicle in a manner that was deemed unsafe. The deputy witnessed the driver tailgating and swerving at other vehicles before colliding with another car. Both vehicles involved in the incident came to a stop and were subsequently contacted by the deputy. 

At the scene of the crash, the deputy identified the driver of the Dodge Ram as 62-year-old William Owens. Both Owens and the driver of the other vehicle were found to be uninjured.

During the investigation, deputies arrested Owens and transported him to the Washington County Jail, where he was booked on the following charges:

- Attempted Assault in the Third Degree

- Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

- Menacing

- Reckless Driving

If you witnessed any unsafe driving behavior involving the Dodge Ram mentioned and have not yet spoken to the police, please contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 503-629-0111.