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Madisonville Man Arrested After Road Rage Incident Involving Racial Slurs Turns Violent
A Madisonville man is facing multiple charges following a road rage encounter that escalated into violence and an alleged assault on a deputy.
According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Tuesday evening around 5 p.m. on U.S. Highway 190 near the Interstate 12 westbound ramp.
Authorities say 29 year old Matthew Swire was driving south when he intentionally struck another vehicle. After the crash, investigators say he got out and approached the other driver, attempting to open the victim’s door.
During the confrontation, Swire is accused of using racial slurs and causing further damage to the victim’s vehicle.
When deputies arrived, officials say the situation escalated again. Swire allegedly resisted arrest, kicked a deputy, and grabbed the deputy in a sexual manner.
He was taken into custody and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated criminal damage to property, resisting an officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer, sexual battery, reckless operation, and a hate crime charge, along with additional traffic related violations.
Sheriff Randy Smith said violent and hate driven behavior will not be tolerated and commended deputies for bringing the situation under control.
The investigation is ongoing.