OCALA, FL – A Virginia-based truck driver was apprehended last week in connection to a road rage incident along Interstate 75 near Ocala, Florida, according to authorities from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 3, deputies responded to a call at a Love’s Travel Stop, where a fellow trucker reported a shooting incident. The complainant alleged that while heading southbound on I-75, 43-year-old Dylan Belleastin hurled a water bottle at his vehicle.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victim initially considered confronting Belleastin but chose to continue his journey instead. However, Belleastin reportedly pursued the victim, eventually catching up with him and firing multiple shots in his direction.
The victim managed to decelerate his vehicle to evade the bullets and retaliated by shooting at Belleastin, fearing for his life.
According to investigators, Belleastin also made a brief stop at the Love’s Travel Stop, but quickly resumed his journey southbound on I-75. Using information gathered during the investigation, authorities were able to identify Belleastin and secure dash camera footage from his truck cab.
The video evidence reportedly showed Belleastin firing at the victim twice. He is also accused of brandishing a second firearm at the victim, though he did not discharge it.
With the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service agents, Belleastin was located in Ocala on March 6. He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond on charges of shooting a missile into a vehicle, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Online records indicate that Belleastin is due to appear in court on April 9.