Because nothing says “polite driving” like a full-blown WWE match on the streets of Bradenton.
Bradenton, FL—In what can only be described as the most Florida way to handle a minor traffic dispute, a simple argument over a turn signal escalated into a chaotic scene involving a Jeep, a gun, and a whole lot of bad decisions.
The Incident: When Road Rage Meets Reality TV
It all started when Raesean Poole, 33, was waiting to make a left turn out of a parking lot. Enter Anthony Williams, 20, who—gasp—turned into the lot without using his blinker. Poole, clearly a man who takes turn signal etiquette very seriously, decided the only logical response was to back up his Jeep and confront Williams like a man on a mission.
But Williams wasn’t about to take this traffic shaming lying down. According to Poole, Williams flashed a gun during their heated discussion. (Because in Florida, a disagreement over signaling is basically a duel at high noon.)
Jeep Justice: When “I’ll Run You Over” Isn’t Just a Threat
Instead of just driving away like a normal person, Poole decided to play bumper cars with a human. Video shows him accelerating his Jeep toward Williams, hitting a stop sign, a tree, and finally Williams’ leg. (Because if you’re gonna commit to vehicular assault, you might as well take out some street furniture too.)
But wait—there’s more!
Teenage Backup: Because One Gun Isn’t Enough
Williams’ 16-year-old passenger, Manuel Villatoro, saw all this unfold and thought, “You know what this situation needs? Gunfire.” So he grabbed a gun and shot at Poole’s Jeep, because apparently, road rage in Florida is a team sport.
The Aftermath: Charges, Chaos, and Probably a Meme
- Poole was charged with aggravated battery with a motor vehicle (aka Florida bumper cars).
- Villatoro was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm (because shooting at a Jeep is totally a reasonable reaction).
- Williams? Well, he might skate by since he legally owned his gun. (Because in Florida, brandishing a firearm during a turn signal debate is just Tuesday.)
Moral of the Story?
Next time someone forgets their blinker, maybe just honk and move on. Or, you know, don’t turn it into a Fast & Furious sequel.
Stay tuned for the next episode of “Florida Driving: Where Every Road Is a Battlefield.”