MINT HILL, N.C. — A 37-year-old woman faces criminal charges after allegedly threatening another driver with a gun following a road rage incident that began in a school drop-off line.
Police said all children had already been dropped off before the confrontation occurred between the parents.
Mint Hill Police arrested Jodie Michell Abrams and charged her with communicating threats and possession of a firearm on school grounds.
Authorities said the confrontation began in the morning drop-off line at Mint Hill Middle School before expanding off campus.
The altercation began inside the school grounds during morning drop-off. The victim, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of safety concerns, said she did not initially realize another driver was angry.
“I just kept going and maneuvering my car around the turn by the time I realized she was angry and that I had done something wrong, it was already too late,” the victim said.
Police said Abrams followed the victim’s car off campus after the initial encounter. The victim recalled that Abrams began displaying hostile hand gestures while driving behind her.
“She was simulating the gun-to-the-head type of gesture, and then I exchanged a gesture back with her,” the victim said.
The situation escalated when Abrams displayed a handgun, causing the victim to fear for her life.
“I was extremely worried for my safety,” the victim said. “If we get to a red light and she gets beside me, she could very well shoot me. If not shoot me from behind, it was a scary moment.”
Seeking assistance, the victim drove toward Queens Grant Charter School, where an officer was directing traffic. The officer intervened immediately to stop the suspect’s vehicle.
“He acted very quickly; he all but jumped in front of that car. He did jump in front of that car; he stepped out in front of her vehicle and stopped her. I’m very grateful for him as well,” the victim said.
Following the arrest, court records show Abrams’ bond was set at $50,000 secured, which has since been paid, allowing for her release from jail.
Reflecting on the encounter, the victim said the experience changed how she will react to road rage in the future.
“When she made her hand gesture at me, I will never ever return hand gestures ever again,” she said.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.