Road rage suspect armed with an airsoft pistol arrested at the Irvine Spectrum

Two people got into a road rage argument on Sunday afternoon at the Irvine Spectrum Center, according to the Irvine Police Department.

One driver displayed what appeared to be a handgun during the incident.

Irvine police officers assigned to the Spectrum immediately began working with security to identify the suspect and his vehicle. The officers quickly arrested the man inside a store.

During the investigation, it was determined the handgun was an airsoft pistol.

The adult male was arrested for brandishing a replica firearm.

The Irvine Police Department is for their strong partnership with the Spectrum Center and appreciate their help on this case.

Road rage incidents can turn violent quickly. Engaging with another driver over discourteous driving is not worth it!

Here are some startling facts about road rage courtesy of The Zebra:

• In 2023, 92% witnessed an act of road rage in the past year. (The Zebra)
• A total of 12,610 injuries and 218 murders have been attributed to road rage over a seven-year period in the United States (SafeMotorist).
• In 2022, someone was shot and killed in a road rage incident every 16 hours. (Everytown Research)
• 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving (NHTSA)
• Road rage has been responsible for about 300 deaths since 2013. (NHTSA)
• 30 murders annually are linked to road rage. (American Psychological Association)
• 50% of drivers respond to the careless acts of other drivers with aggressive behavior themselves (American Psychology Association)
• 94% of traffic accidents are caused by driver error. (NPR)
• 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm. (AutoVantage Club)
• 500% increase in reported cases of road rage over the last 10 years. (CNN)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has good advice on how to avoid aggresive motorists:

Dealing with Speeding and Aggressive Drivers

Speeding behavior and aggressive drivers may not only affect the speeder—it can also affect other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are some tips for encountering speeders on the road:

If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by.
Give speeding drivers plenty of space. Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
Adjust your driving accordingly. Speeding is tied to aggressive driving. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, use judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
Call the police if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.

If a road rage suspect follows you off the freeway you should drive straight to the local police department location and call 911!