Road Rage, Middle Fingers, and a Firearm: Marion County Man Arrested After Highway Showdown
What started as a road rage incident on U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield escalated into handcuffs for Julio Daniel Ortiz, who now faces two counts of aggravated assault and improper exhibition of a firearm.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ortiz, driving a silver 2018 Ford F-150 towing a boat, engaged in an unusual display of displeasure with fellow motorist Andre Thomas. Allegedly, Ortiz repeatedly flipped Thomas the middle finger while weaving through traffic. Things took a darker turn when Ortiz reportedly pulled alongside Thomas and brandished what appeared to be a handgun, prompting Thomas to hit the brakes and call 911.
Deputies later stopped Ortiz at a nearby gas station and found a Ruger P94 semi-automatic pistol on the floorboard of his truck, contrary to his initial claim that it was secured in the center console. Ortiz reportedly admitted to displaying the weapon but insisted he didn’t point it at anyone.
Both Thomas and a passenger, Beverly Ann Thomas, stated they feared violence might erupt during the encounter. Ortiz was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail, leaving his road rage—and his boat—behind.
Moral of the story? Stick to waving, not weapons.
