LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville man is facing multiple charges after a dramatic exchange of gunfire with another driver on Tuesday morning. James Jones III, 34, has been charged with wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the arrest citation, the incident began around East St. Catherine and South Floyd Streets when a Louisville Metro Police detective, who was a nearby witness, reported hearing gunshots. The detective then observed two vehicles involved in the shooting—a silver Chevy Equinox driven by Jones and a grey Jeep Cherokee.
The citation further details that the victim of the shooting initially believed Jones was trying to get him to pull over as the two cars continued to travel through the area. The confrontation escalated when both vehicles pulled into a Valero gas station located on East St. Catherine Street. Once there, Jones allegedly began firing at the victim’s Jeep Cherokee. In response, the victim returned fire, shooting through the windshield of his own vehicle.
Jones fled the scene before police could make contact, driving to the 1300 block of Bardstown Road. There, he discarded the firearm by throwing it into a nearby trash can. Jones later called the police himself, and officers determined that he was involved in the earlier shooting at the gas station.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. Jones was arrested and is currently being held at Metro Corrections on a $25,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a court appearance on Thursday. His next court date is set for March 28.
This violent incident underscores the ongoing concerns over road rage and the potential dangers of firearms in escalating situations. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
