Niceville, FL (DMN) – An Alabama man with a hot temper was apprehended last week for a disturbing incident of road rage captured on video.
The incident took place at a gas station in north Florida, where the man targeted a 16-year-old girl and her boyfriend, causing great fear and distress. Authorities have described the man as a significant threat both on and off the road.
A man named Thomas Keebler, aged 40, reportedly followed a group of teenagers in his car to the Boggy Bayou Store on Highway 20 in Niceville, where he is accused of assaulting them.
On April 21, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fight at a gas station. It was discovered that Keebler had been tailgating a teenager and her friends, who were driving a red sedan. He then aggressively passed them, tapped his brakes, and followed them to the service station.
A video captures the incident where he intentionally blocked their car, then aggressively approached them while shouting offensive language.
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It is reported that he attempted to hit a passenger in the back seat through an open window. According to an arrest report, a passenger was attempting to exit the car, but Keebler repeatedly kicked the door closed on his leg.
A 16-year-old girl is captured on camera stepping out of the car, only to be forcefully thrown to the ground by Keebler, according to the report.
A driver attempts to intervene as Keebler puts him in a headlock and repeatedly punches him in the head.
A kind-hearted individual managed to scare off Keebler, but law enforcement officers were able to identify the troublemaker from the surveillance footage. Following contact from authorities on April 25, Keebler surrendered himself.
The individual is facing charges related to child abuse, battery, and criminal mischief.
According to records, he was released from the Walton County Jail on April 26 after posting a $5,000 bond.
Source: Fox-35 Orlando