TAMPA, FL – A former prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice, who had previously worked on cases in relation to the January 6 Capitol riot, has been arrested. He was charged in connection with a violent road rage incident in Tampa, Florida. Patrick Douglas Scruggs, 38, is accused of stabbing a 35-year-old man multiple times with a pocket knife on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
The incident unfolded during Tuesday’s morning rush hour when the victim, who had been slumped over in his driver’s seat, caused a traffic halt. Two individuals approached to check on him, at which point he woke up, accelerated, and crashed into the car ahead. He then reversed into Scruggs’ vehicle. Images from the scene show Scruggs standing outside his car, gesturing near the driver’s window.
Authorities allege that Scruggs then broke the window and stabbed the man multiple times. Tara Iglinski, a witness at the scene, reported seeing the victim’s arms covered in blood. She described the incident as “really, really scary” and Scruggs’ reaction as “frightening.”
Scruggs is also accused of threatening the two individuals who initially approached the victim’s car with his knife, although they managed to escape unharmed. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. However, they are expected to recover.
Following the incident, Scruggs was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. In addition to these charges, he is also accused of aggravated assault and armed burglary. He was later released on a $65,000 surety bond.
Scruggs, who recently started working for an Atlanta-based private firm, Barnes & Thornburg, has since been let go following his arrest. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Scruggs was involved in prosecuting some of the January 6 Capitol riot cases. His attorney, John Nohlgren, has urged the public to keep an open mind, emphasizing that suspects are innocent until proven guilty.