West Hartford Cops Charge 2 In Road Rage Gun Incident

WEST HARTFORD — Men from Arkansas and Florida have been charged in connection with a road rage incident involving a gun in West Hartford, police said.

At 9:05 Monday night, West Hartford police responded to a report about a road rage incident in the area of 1445 New Britain Ave. A gun went off during the incident, police said.

Police said the victim and two others were involved in a road rage incident prior to coming
to a stop.

An altercation ensued, police said.

During the altercation, a single gunshot was fired from a car, which then sped onto the eastbound side of Interstate84.

Local police received a 911 call about the car and state police Troopers located the vehicle on the highway.

No one was injured, police said.

Brandon Bottom, 34, of Ozark, AK, was being held on a $500,000 surety bond Tuesday and was expected in court later in the day.

Bottom was charged with:

• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• First-degree reckless endangerment
• Discharge of a firearm from a public highway
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Carrying a dangerous weapon with a high-capacity magazine
• Carrying a pistol without a permit
• Carrying a firearm under the influence

Drew Newman, 26, of Lakeland, FL, was being held on a $250,000 surety bond Tuesday while awaiting a court appearance.

Newman was charged with:

• Reckless driving
• Weapon in a motor vehicle
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Breach of peace
• Carrying a dangerous Weapon with a high-capacity magazine

Authorities said Tuesday the investigation is active and anyone who may have information regarding the incident can call the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.