Published: August 22, 2009 12:51 am      

Man in I-65 road rage case faces three felonies

A man who allegedly pointed a semiautomatic handgun at another man during a road-rage incident was charged Thursday with three felonies and a misdemeanor.

Franklin D. Skirvin Jr., 42, of Lexington, Ind., is accused of stopping his vehicle in a construction zone on Interstate 65, walking out of his vehicle and pointing a handgun at the driver of a semi-tractor pulling a tanker trailer.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Robert M. Bodell reported to police he was driving his semi truck on I-65 northbound near the 7.5 mile marker when a red 1997 Pontiac Sunfire cut in front of him at the last second because one lane was about to end.

The incident happened at about 10:45 p.m. Aug 13.

Bodell said the driver of the Sunfire, later identified as Skirvin, showed him “the finger” and pointed the firearm at him, court records state.

Bodell told Indiana State Police troopers that the driver then pulled off the side onto the shoulder of the highway after about a quarter mile. Skirvin then allegedly pulled across one lane and blocked traffic, forcing Bodell to swerve and slam on his brakes.

Bodell said Skirvin approached his truck and pointed his firearm at him before walking back to his vehicle and leaving.

The victim then called 911, and Clark County Sheriff’s Department officers located the suspect on U.S. 31 in Henryville.

Skirvin reportedly told police officers that the semi truck cut him off. Skirvin admitted getting out of his vehicle with firearm placed in the small of his back, but he said he never pointed it at the driver. He claims he carried a gun with him because he knows that semi truck drivers carry weapons and he wanted to be prepared in case something happened.

When a trooper asked Skirvin why he did not just keep traveling northbound, Skirvin reportedly had no response.

Skirvin is charged with class C felony intimidation while armed with a deadly weapon, class D felony criminal recklessness, class D felony pointing a firearm and class A misdemeanor obstructing traffic.

He faces three to 15 years in prison if convicted of all counts.

An initial hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Clark County Circuit Court. Skirvin posted $15,000 court-cash or surety bond the day after his arrest.