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An incident of road rage ended with a Danville man in custody after he waved a knife at another driver and challenged him to fight.
Danville Police Sgt. Dan Hoffman said the incident occurred Friday, April 17, on Camino Tassajara near Contada Circle. Hoffman said the victim, a 44-year-old Danville man, and his 11-year old-son were driving on Camino Tassajara near Lomitas Road where the two lanes merge and another vehicle allegedly cut him off at the merge.
The victim said he honked his horn at the other vehicle and they continued down the road. The suspect then pulled alongside the victim’s car and began yelling and making obscene gestures. When the vehicles stopped at the intersection with Contada Circle, the man, identified as Martin Kephart, 36, got out of his car and continued to yell.
According to the victim, Kephart then pulled a knife out of his pants pocket and ordered the driver out of the car so they could fight. When the victim refused, Kephart reportedly dropped the knife, got back in his car, and drove away.
Hoffman said the victim took down the license plate information from Kephart’s vehicle and called police. Police were able to retrieve Kephart’s address from the plate number and confronted him at his home.
Kephart was taken into custody and charged with one misdemeanor count of brandishing a weapon. He was transported to Martinez Detention Facility.
What is wrong with some people? I feel bad for both victims, but especially the 11-year-old child.
As Forrest Gump would say, “Stupid is as stupid does”. There’s no telling why people do the goofy things they do. I am amazed that the guy is 36 years old. That’s sort of old for such a juvenile outburst, you know?
So, this Kephart fellow — he escapes the consequences of his actions because of the cuts in the DA’s office?
Sad, dangerous days ahead.
Will he? I know it’s a misdemenor but it involves a weapon so wouldn’t you think he’d still be prosecuted?
Good question for the DA’s office. I also wonder whether their cases-in-the-system will now be dismissed?
Anybody know?
People are angry, financially strapped, stressed, drugged and medicated and venting their rage on the road. If you drive a better car, or look a certain way you may fall victim. It’s a jungle out there and the animals have two legs. Yoga, listening to music and exercize work well, but most people are in a hurry to get to the next destination and don’t take time for themselves.
I am stressed, take care of everyone but me, & worry about the financial situation of my family, friends, school, & world…but I would never take it out on anyone else!!!
Sfgate.com has today published a copy of DA Kochly’s letter to the local Police Departments, advising them of the changes in his office’s charging policies. It appears to indicate that Mr. Kephart’s behavior will be considered for prosecution because it occurred prior to the Monday, May 4th effective date of the changes.
If it had occured thereafter, it apparantly would not, as simple assaults & batteries, and weapons violations not involving firearms, will be off the table. Yikes.
Good for calling the police. This is dumb AND dangerours. As far as the DA not prosecuting such a crime, the good thing is that it will still be on the driver’s record WHETHER he is ever prosecuted. The police / Sheriff’s Dept willcontinue to enforce the law.
3 Cheers to the motorist who reported this individual. Hopefully this will be a ‘wake-up’ call. The problem is when such circumstances go UNREPORTED. We need to stand up to these thugs!
The guy must have anger issues. He cuts off another driver in the proper lane and then pulls a knife. Everyone knows that lane ends and all drivers should be alert enough to allow room for idiots or dont allow enough room for them to get in. This is the same at Saycamore heading east off 680. I believe in waiting my turn but I just take the left lane so these idiots cant cut in front of me. The cops should sit there and issue tickes for driving in the bike lane as many do. Its only a matter of time before someone gets run over.
I am glad he called the cops, I would have failed that test and figured out where he lives and apply my own justice. Three rolls of quarters in a thick sock works well.
Did anyone ever find out what happened to this guy, does he have a history of trouble? 36 years old and still living at home? Lock him up for good!