I-90 road rage ends when citizens draw gun, knock out aggressor’s tooth

After seeing a reckless driver multiple times on Interstate-90 Friday evening, two people intervened, detaining the driver until the Washington State Patrol arrived.

A man, later identified as John Lowery, 57, was driving a green Hyundai on I-90 at about 5:30 p.m., when two people said he began tailgating them, according to a WSP statement.

The people said Lowery’s car came within 6 inches of their bumper with the tailgating lasting for miles. They called 911 and reported the driver, WSP said.

Eventually, Lowery’s car passed the two people , who were able to get a good look at Lowery as he drove by. Lowery then pulled in front of them and slammed hard on his brake, according to WSP.

The two people told WSP Lowery continued to speed up and slow down at random, requiring them to drive defensively to avoid a collision.

At one point they ended up next to Lowery in traffic, WSP said. They rolled down their window and yelled at him about his reckless driving. They told WSP that’s when Lowery pulled out a knife and began yelling in return.

Thet called 911 again before following Lowery as he exited the freeway.

Lowery stopped his car near South Lee Street and Third Avenue, where the two people pulled up behind him, according to WSP.

That’s when Lowery got out of his car with a knife and walked toward their vehicle, the state patrol said.

The driver grabbed a handgun and got out of the car, telling Lowery he was under citizen’s arrest and to drop the knife, WSP said.

The driver then knocked the knife out of Lowery’s hand and on to the ground, lying on top of him until police arrived, according to WSP.

The driver gave the handgun to the passenger to avoid a struggle over the weapon. Lowery struggled while on the ground, the driver told police.

As a struggle continued, the driver knocked out one of Lowery’s teeth after the driver said Lowery tried to bite them.

When Spokane Police Department officer arrived, they found a knife on the ground and scrapes on the driver’s arms, consistent with their description of the struggle.

A pipe was discovered under Lowery’s car, which WSP said was consistent with methamphetamine use.

Lowery was booked into Spokane County Jail on the charge of driving under the influence. After talking with witnesses, WSP said there was probable cause to also charge Lowery with felony harassment. His bond is set at $1,500.