Man accused of pulling out gun in road rage incident

WOBURN, Mass. — A Beverly man is accused of pointing a gun at another driver while driving drunk on Rt. 95.

Jason Root, 38, appeared in court Tuesday to face charges of OUI, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.

On Tuesday morning, police responded to a report of a crash on southbound of 95 around 2:30 a.m. The trooper found an SUV that had been hit by a Jeep Cherokee.

The Jeep driver, identified as Jason Root, 37, told the trooper he had a licensed firearm on the seat of his vehicle. The trooper took the gun while investigating the crash.

Police said they noticed Root acting as if he were intoxicated, and they subsequently gave several field sobriety tests. Troopers arrested Root on suspicion of OUI.

A short time before the crash, State Police had received a report of a road rage incident from Route 93 southbound to 95. In the middle of 95 before exit 36, police said the Cherokee pulled in front of the victim’s car, forcing the vehicle to stop.

The Cherokee driver allegedly got out of his car, walked up to the other vehicle and pulled a gun. The victim ducked and then accelerated away, calling 911.

Troopers said they determined Root was the same motorist who pulled out on I-95.

During the court appearance, which included a dangerousness hearing, Root's attorney denied that he threatened anyone, and also said he has no prior offenses and served in the military.

The judge ordered Root to be held on a $20,000 cash bail and said he had to hand over his firearms.

Cox Media Group