Man Charged After Road Rage Incident In Hartford

A man has been charged after a road rage incident that happened last week in the Hartford area. Harold Potter told the Cocke County Sheriff’s office that he was merging onto the interstate at the 451mm, but an orange Jeep would not allow him to merge properly. He stated that the driver of the jeep finally had to brake abuptly to allow him onto the interstate which is down to just one lane in each direction. Potter says the Jeep followed him off the interstate at exit 447 and as he drove to a gas station. Potter says that the driver of the jeep got out of his vehicle and was “messing around” under the driver’s seat before placing something in his waistband.

When a Cocke County deputy arrived on scene, the driver of the jeep, 63 year old Russell Hargraves appeared jittery and informed the deputy that he had weapons in the jeep. A 9mm handgun was recovered from underneath the driver’s seat, fully loaded and out of its holster. Hargraves then began rummaging through the floorboard on the passenger side. Deputy Gavin Colley had Hargraves move away from the vehicle and a fully loaded .380 handgun was found where Hargraves had been looking. Hargraves became more irate and began yelling due to Deputy Colley having his firearms. Deputy Jacob Damron arrived on scene and placed Hargraves in hand restraints in the back of a patrol car so the investigation into the road rage incident could continue. Hargraves became more agitated and finally had to be transported to the Cocke County Sheriff’s office. Hargraves had to be placed in a restraint chair for four hours at the jail. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct.