Sandy Hook Man Arrested In Road Rage Incident

Police report that a “road rage” incident occurred along 1.3 miles of local roadways about 5 pm June 23, which resulted in a local man being arrested on eight charges.

The incident involving two motorists began at the traffic signal on Berkshire Road at its intersection with Wasserman Way. The two drivers then traveled westward on Berkshire Road to Washington Avenue, and then into Sandy Hook Center, after which they drove westward on Church Hill Road to the area near Edmond Road.

Arrested was David C. Elias, 53, of 32 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook, police said.

Police said that Elias, who was driving a 1995 Jeep Cherokee sport-utility vehicle, attempted to pass on the right motorist Michael A. Kulp, 20, of 64 Jeremiah Road, who was driving a 1994 Geo Tracker sport-utility vehicle.

When the Jeep attempted to pass the Geo on the right, the Jeep struck the Geo’s passenger-side exterior rear-view mirror, police said. The Jeep then followed the Geo and passed it in a no-passing zone, after which the Jeep pulled in front of the Geo and stopped abruptly, resulting in the vehicles colliding, police said.

Elias then drove the Jeep forward, after which he drove it backwards, colliding with the Geo again, police said.

Elias then made a U-turn and drove away from the accident, police said. During the incident, Elias’s 15-year-old daughter was inside the Jeep, police said. The Geo carried two passengers.

Police said there were no known injuries in the incident.

After finding and apprehending Elias, police arrested him on charges of passing in a no-passing zone, disorderly conduct, passing on the right, making an unsafe stop, unsafe backing, making a U-turn, evading responsibility, and risk of injury to a minor. The risk of injury charge stems from Elias’s child being in the Jeep at the time of the incident, police said.

The accidents caused minor damage to both vehicles, said police Sergeant Douglas Wisentaner. Police were aided in their investigation by witnesses who saw the incident culminate on Church Hill Road near Edmond Road, the sergeant said.

After arrest processing, Elias posted $400 bail and was released for a July 7 appearance in Danbury Superior Court where he will face a judge on the eight charges.