A St. Johns County man was arrested Tuesday evening after deputies said he struck another driver in the face during a violent road rage confrontation on Lewis Speedway.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the 54-year-old of St. Augustine resident, was charged with burglary with assault or battery, a felony.
The burglary charge stems from his breaching of the victim’s car window.
The report lists the man’s occupation as a captain with a major airline.
JACKSONVILLE TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED WITH STRANGLING SENIOR DURING ROAD RAGE INCIDENT
Deputies said the incident occurred around 4:46 p.m. on Aug. 19 near 3950 Lewis Speedway, directly outside St. Johns County jail.
Both the defendant — a military veteran — and the victim told investigators that the other was driving erratically before they stopped in the area.
The victim told deputies that his alleged assailant approached the driver’s side window of his vehicle and punched him once in the jaw and lip with a closed fist.
Deputies noted visible swelling and a cut on the victim’s upper lip.
A witness at the scene corroborated the victim’s account, according to the report.
The suspect initially denied approaching the vehicle, but investigators said surveillance footage from county jail cameras showed him exiting his car in the roadway and walking up to the victim’s driver-side window.
The footage did not capture the alleged strike because of distance.
After being read his Miranda rights, Kanzler admitted to a verbal altercation but denied that any physical contact occurred.
Deputies determined there was probable cause to make an arrest. Kanzler was taken into custody at his St. Augustine residence.
FOLLOW ST. JOHNS COUNTY’S TOP NEWS SOURCE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
