Youngstown man arrested after crash, holding phone like a gun: Report

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — A Youngstown man has been arrested for felonious assault following an incident in Boardman Thursday evening.

Police were dispatched to a reported collision at the 5500 block of Market Street around 5 p.m.

According to a police report, the victim was driving in the left lane when Elias Rodriguez, 54, cut the other driver off, yelling “learn how to drive.” Rodriguez then began to swerve into the victim’s lane, eventually striking the victim’s car.

An independent witness said Rodriguez was driving in a way where he was purposely trying to strike the victim’s car, the report said.

Reports state the victim and Rodriguez pulled over and got out of their vehicles, then Rodriguez held out his cell phone, saying, “What’s up.” The victim said they thought it was a small silver handgun, according to a report.

In an interview with police, Rodriguez did admit to holding his phone in a way that would look like a gun.

Rodriguez was placed under arrest for felonious assault and aggravated menacing. His court appearance is pending.

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