Machete-Wielding Man Charged In Manassas Road Rage Incident: Police

MANASSAS, VA — A Manassas man was arrested after a road rage incident on Sunday, the Prince William County Police Department said. Authorities reported that the man pulled out a machete after stopping his vehicle.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

The police department identified the man as 59-year-old Luis Amilcar Ayala. He is charged with one count of brandishing a weapon.

Ayala is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. His bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday before an adjudicatory hearing on March 18.

If convicted, Ayala could face up to one year in jail, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Sunday near the intersection of Copeland Drive and Woodstock Street in Manassas, authorities said. A 49-year-old man told police that he was driving in the area when he encountered Ayala.

During the incident, Ayala stopped his vehicle, opened the trunk, and pulled out a machete, according to the police report. The victim drove away and called for help.

Police officers found Ayala on Community Drive and took him into custody. There was no physical contact between Ayala and the victim, the police department said.

AAA offers several pieces of advice to prevent road rage incidents on their website. Here's what AAA recommends to avoid confrontation:

• Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
• Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
• If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.
• When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.
• Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.
• If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
• If you feel threatened, call 911.