A Jonesboro driver is facing two felony charges after police said he intentionally struck another vehicle following a confrontation on the road. William Paul Langle was arrested after Jonesboro police responded Saturday, July 25, to a vehicle collision near Fairview Drive and Brazos Street.
Incident Details
According to a probable cause affidavit, the other driver told officers she passed Langle because he was traveling unusually slowly. As she slowed for a speed table, Langle allegedly accelerated and intentionally struck her vehicle. The driver said Langle then backed up and struck her vehicle a second time as she was getting out of her car. Both vehicles sustained functional damage, according to police.
During a Mirandized interview, Langle reportedly told investigators he believed the other driver had attempted to run him off the road. He admitted being angry, saying he was “so pissed,” but acknowledged that his frustration did not justify ramming the vehicle, the affidavit said. Langle denied intentionally striking the vehicle a second time. He reportedly said his airbags deployed following the first collision, causing his vehicle to roll into the other car again.
Langle is charged with aggravated assault and first-degree criminal mischief involving property damage of more than $1,000 but no more than $5,000. Both charges are Class D felonies punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
His bond was set Monday at $3,500 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse. Langle is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
