A 24-year-old man from Simi Valley, Andrew Chase, faces serious charges after a disturbing road rage confrontation escalated into a firearm incident. The altercation occurred on Cochran Street when Chase allegedly brandished a loaded handgun at pedestrians who were attempting to alert him about his excessive speed. In addition to assault with a deadly weapon, police have also classified the incident as a hate crime due to Chase’s use of a homophobic slur during the encounter.
Authorities received reports of the confrontation shortly after it happened, leading to a swift response that resulted in the victims identifying Chase as the aggressor. Following his arrest, officers discovered the semi-automatic handgun registered in Chase’s name inside his vehicle. The serious nature of the charges emphasizes the role of hate in this incident, highlighting ongoing community concerns about public safety and discrimination.
Read full story at hoodline.com