Man Carrying While Driving Shoots And Kills Man Pointing Rifle Into His Car Window During Road Rage Incident

KENTON COUNTY, KENTUCKY — An armed driver defended his life against another man after an accident on the highway, that quickly escalated to extreme road rage when the driver of the other vehicle came up to his car and pointed a rifle in the window.

Police say 43-year-old Joshua G. Taylor was driving home from work when he had an accident with another car, driven by 41-year-old John Patrick Abell, who was driving home from a fishing trip.

After the accident, police say Abell went up to Taylor’s passenger window and pointed a rifle at him, as seen in the photos at the top of the article. That’s when Taylor, carrying his firearm, drew and fired on Abell, striking him multiple times.

Abell was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Taylor called 911 to notify them of the accident, and an argument between two people can be heard during the call, moments before gunshots are heard.

He then told the 911 operator that he had fired shots and hit the man, and can then be heard administering first aid.

After reviewing the evidence and photos from the incident, no charges will be perused against Taylor.

“Kentucky law states an individual is justified in the use of physical force upon another when the individual believes such force is necessary to protect against the use of unlawful force by another person,” said Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders. “The investigation by Fort Wright and Kenton County Police Departments conclusively found the shooter was reasonably in fear for his own life and responded lawfully.”

Having quick access to a firearm while inside the car is an important thing to remember, and making sure that you train with accessing that firearm while in a seated position is an important and ongoing step.