Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest of Mansfield Man

McKENZIE (June 27) – A Mansfield man was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault following a road rage incident that occurred on June 27 at 10:23 a.m.

According to a report by Officer Matthew Cunningham, Darius L. Hastings, 53, of Mansfield, threatened two new residents of McKenzie by pulling a handgun on them while they were in the parking lot of a business on Highland Drive.

The report states that the victims were traveling slowly along Highland Drive as they searched for the post office. When they turned into the parking lot of a business, Hastings, who was also traveling on Highland Drive, began honking his horn at their vehicle. He then followed them into the parking lot, where he screamed at them while pointing a handgun.

A witness attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Hastings allegedly threatened this individual as well. The victims managed to obtain the license plate number of Hastings’s vehicle, which returned to a deceased individual. Hastings then fled south on Highland Drive and evaded authorities.

The victims provided descriptions of Hastings and viewed photos of potential suspects, ultimately identifying him as the perpetrator. On the same day, Henry County authorities and MPD Lt. Brister arrested Hastings at his home. The 1997 Nissan Quest associated with the incident was found at the location. Hastings was transported to Carroll County Jail.