Pine Bluff, Arkansas – On Tuesday afternoon, an incident of road rage escalated alarmingly as an individual brandished a firearm on the eastbound Interstate 30 near the 127-mile marker.
An immediate distress call was placed to Hopkins County Communications by a vigilant individual who provided crucial information about the offender and their vehicle. Thanks to the timely action of Hopkins County Deputies B. Murray and Z. Steward, the suspect, Mario Remonde Urquhart from Pine Bluff was swiftly apprehended.
The individual who placed the call stayed on the line and kept updating their location, aiding the deputies in tracking down the offender’s vehicle. The vehicle in question, a white Ford F-150 with a temporary tag, matched the description provided by the caller. A handgun, presumably used during the road rage incident, was found during the subsequent vehicle stop.
Based on the caller’s testimony, Urquhart intentionally aimed the firearm at them, inducing fear of grievous bodily harm or potential fatality. Further investigation into Urquhart’s background revealed that he had several outstanding warrants.
In the wake of the incident, Urquhart was arrested promptly, handcuffed, and conveyed to the Hopkins County Jail. The handover of the suspect to the jail staff went smoothly and without incident.
Urquhart is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, failing to maintain financial responsibility, and displaying an expired vehicle registration. In Texas, the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon generally constitutes a second-degree felony, punishable by a sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison, and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
However, the charge could be escalated to a first-degree felony under certain circumstances, such as if the assault was carried out against a public servant, in retaliation against a witness, or as an act of domestic violence. If escalated, the penalty could extend to 5 to 99 years or even life imprisonment.
