A man accused of shooting a woman in a road rage incident in Grapevine has been arrested by police.
The shooting took place Friday morning on State Highway 121 near Bass Pro Drive. The 27-year-old victim was able to pull over safely to the side of the road after being shot and was transported to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening wound to her neck.
Grapevine police officers arrested 30-year-old Brandon Leotta Rutt at his Euless apartment early Saturday morning in connection with the incident.
Police said they found a handgun at Rutt’s apartment and are working to determine if it is the same firearm used in the shooting.
Police were able to locate Rutt after cross-referencing traffic cameras that captured his license plate with witness reports from the scene, including a description of the shooter and his vehicle provided by the victim.
Rutt was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face anywhere from two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The charge is considered a second-degree felony.
The Grapevine Police Department released a statement after the arrest, reaffirming its commitment to public safety.
“The Grapevine Police Department is committed to providing a safe community for citizens, businesses, and visitors. The swift identification and arrest of a suspect in this case is a direct result of that commitment and dedication to those we protect.
“The Department gives a special thanks to the victim and witness for providing key details in the case, and to all of the detectives and professional staff who worked tirelessly to aid in this arrest,” the statement read.
Road rage incidents that involve firearms are common in DFW.
According to information provided to The Dallas Express by the Dallas Police Department, 153 road rage incidents with firearms have been reported so far this year in the city. In most cases, the weapon is pointed at the victim without being discharged.
The Dallas Police Department provided a helpful list of tips to avoid dangerous road rage incidents. The list and more information on road rage can also be found on the GEICO insurance website.
Before You Get Behind The Wheel:
- Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination; this way, you’re less likely to get antsy or take unnecessary risks.
- Cool off. If you get upset, take a moment to calm down.
What To Remember When Driving:
- Give other drivers a break. If someone is driving slowly, consider their situation; they could be lost.
- Use hand gestures wisely. Keep gestures positive, such as waving to a driver who lets you merge in front of them.
- Don’t tailgate. Always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, no matter what speed they are driving.
- Lay off the horn. Honking out of frustration doesn’t solve anything; it just makes things more stressful for everyone on the road.
- Don’t stop to confront another driver. Stopping can create dangerous situations for the parties involved and other drivers on the road.
If Another Driver Acts Aggressively:
- Stay away. Safely change lanes, gradually slow down or even get off the road to keep a safe distance from the aggressive driver.
- Don’t reciprocate. Refrain from responding in kind to the other driver; it could escalate the situation. Avoid eye contact.
- Don’t stop. Stopping could lead to a potentially dangerous person-to-person confrontation.
- Watch your back. If you’re worried the other driver might be following you, lock your doors and drive to the nearest police station.
