Road Rage Incident: Arrest Made After Man Fires Gun at Semi-Truck
Updated: August 20, 2024 at 10:24 AM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—In a recent road rage incident on August 14, 2024, Ramon Miguel Leon Jr., 28, of Bakersfield, California, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly firing a handgun at a semi-truck during a confrontation in Dakota County, Minnesota.
According to the criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, the incident began on Northbound Highway 77 near County Road 38 (McAndrews Road) in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The criminal complaint states that a 911 caller, identified as the victim in the case, reported that the driver of a small green vehicle, later identified as Leon, had repeatedly maneuvered in front of his semi-truck and "brake-checked" him, creating a hazardous situation. The victim further alleged that Leon brandished a black handgun, gesturing aggressively, before firing a shot toward the semi-truck.
The criminal complaint states that the Minnesota State Patrol quickly responded to the call, locating Leon's vehicle through freeway cameras, which led them to an apartment complex in Richfield, Minnesota. Upon locating Leon, who reportedly matched the description provided by the victim, he allegedly initially denied having a firearm but later admitted to firing a "warning shot" in the course of the confrontation. After consenting to a search of his apartment, it was reported that troopers recovered a loaded pistol with an obliterated serial number.
Court documents show that Leon now faces two serious felony charges. The first count is Assault in the 2nd Degree with a Dangerous Weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 3-7 years and/or a fine between $4,200 and $14,000. The second count is a Firearm Violation for possessing a firearm with an altered or removed serial number, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine between $3,000 and $10,000.
Court documents show that at the time of his arrest, Leon was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in Hennepin County for a separate domestic violence case. In that case, he is accused of strangling and punching his girlfriend before threatening her with a pistol, an offense for which he has yet to face trial.
Given the severity of the charges and his existing legal troubles, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office recommended that Leon's bail be set at $120,000 without conditions or $100,000 with conditions. The court ultimately set his bail at $100,000 without conditions or $50,000 with conditions. Leon is scheduled to appear in court on September 11, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota. As of August 20, 2024, court records show Leon has not posted bail and remains in Dakota County Jail.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Leon, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Written by: Will Wight
