Crosstown Traffic

Elizabeth, New Jersey, July 2, 2008:

An Awosting man whose SUV was cut off in traffic was arrested after he allegedly shot at a motorist with a crossbow following a brief chase.

"It was a drive-by crossbow shooting," stated Ron, a presidential candidate for the Ronatarian Party who said he was the man's intended target. "I wish I could say I've never been shot at by a crossbow before..." (See Crossing Ron)

Warren Alan Dierks Jr., 26, posted bail after his arrest Tuesday on charges of committing a terroristic act, possession of an instrument of crime, driving while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended driver's license. Committing a terroristic act is a felony; the other charges are misdemeanors. An arraignment was set for July 25.

Ron acknowledged cutting in front of Dierks on the New Jersey Turnpike.

"I was merging on the highway and I had to get in, so I cut the guy off," Ron said. "He started following me, cursing at me and yelling for me to pull over."

A police report said Ron admitted to police that he made an obscene gesture toward Dierks, but he said Tuesday he didn't remember doing so.

Archery-crossbow hunting seasons for deer begins September 29 so it's extraordinary that someone might be carrying a crossbow in their vehicle this time of year.

The pursuit continued for several miles over the turnpike and a city street. As the cars approached an intersection, "all of the sudden, he comes up next to me and shoots a crossbow at my car," Ron said. "It ricocheted off the back window, which shattered. That's my baby, man...my Camaro."

Ron called 911 and followed Dierks until the police arrived.

"I circled around and got behind him, but he pulled into a parking lot and aimed the crossbow at me again," Ron said.

After Dierks' arrest, officers found a crossbow with a scope, four crossbow bolts and a cooler containing 11 unopened beers and one opened can. Dierks registered 0.12 on a blood-alcohol test. The legal threshold is 0.08.

Ron said it will cost $400 to replace his rear window.

Posted by Bittle at July 2, 2008 06:58 AM