Tom Ross, (Hall County Department of Corrections, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — A Grand Island man was arrested for terroristic threats with a hate crime enhancement following a road rage incident on Saturday, Nov. 16. A juvenile male was also cited in relation to the incident.
According to the Grand Island Police Department, at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to L.E. Ray Park, 3315 Blaine St. for the report of an assault involving a male brandishing a knife.
Officers arrived on scene and observed a male, later identified as Tom Ross, holding a metal pipe and a bottle of chemicals, standing near the driver’s window of a vehicle occupied by a juvenile male.
It was later reported that the disturbance originated from a road rage incident that start on Blaine St., just prior to Ross and the juvenile entering the park.
The juvenile alleged that Ross exited his vehicle and walked up to the window brandishing a large knife. It was reported that the juvenile then exited his vehicle and raised both his fists in an attempt to engage in a physical fight with Ross.
Ross was then reported to have attempted to leave the area in his vehicle, but the juvenile drove through the park in a reckless manner to cut off Ross’ vehicle at the front entrance gate.
Ross would exit his vehicle a second time with a metal pipe just prior to GIPD officers’ arrival. Video evidence reviewed by officers showed Ross making derogatory racial statements to the juvenile.
During a search of the juvenile’s vehicle, a leafy green substance known to be marijuana was located along with a glass pipe with burnt residue. The juvenile was also not wearing a seat belt when he was contacted by officers.
The juvenile also had an active detention order at the time.
The juvenile was cited for reckless driving, failure to use a seat belt, possession of marijuana, under one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault and juvenile pick up order – need of supervision. They were later released to their parents.
Ross was arrested for terroristic threats and use of a weapon to commit a felony – non-firearm, both with hate crime enhancements.
