Man arrested, accused of pointing pepper ball gun with laser at another driver

A man armed with a pepper ball gun is accused of pointing the weapon at a driver while traveling down Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, two vehicles were heading northbound on Tamiami Trail near Forest Nelson Boulevard, when the suspect, Christian R. Miller, 32, a convicted felon, was in a white pick-up towing a trailer attempted to cut off the victim.

The victim honked his horn and continued driving down Tamiami Trail.

While coming to a stop at Tamiami Trail and Veterans Blvd, the suspect drove within 5-6 inches of the victim’s car while honking his horn “manically” followed by leaning over his center console to display a firearm to the victim, deputies say.

The victim said he saw a green laser flash in his eyes and was in fear for his life.

CCSO said, “Some choice words were said as the suspect displayed the weapon. The victim immediately dialed 911 and took a photo of the license plate and the suspect’s vehicle.”

The victim was also able to describe the suspect to 911 dispatchers.

Shortly after the incident was reported, deputies spotted the suspect vehicle heading down Gasparilla Road and was stopped by deputies.

Deputies gave verbal commands for approximately 30 minutes prior to Miller stepping out of the vehicle. The victim then identified Miller as the man who pointed the firearm at him.

Miller was arrested on the following charges and taken to the Charlotte County Jail:

• Possession of Firearm Ammunition or Weapon by Florida Convicted Felon
• Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill
• Resisting Officer Without Violence
• Miller currently has no bond.