OCALA, FL – In a startling incident on Florida’s Interstate 75, a truck driver hailing from Virginia was taken into custody last week. The arrest followed a road rage episode that escalated into a shooting, as per the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded on March 3, when law enforcement officers were summoned to a Love’s Travel Stop. A trucker had reported being the target of an attack, alleging that Dylan Belleastin, 43, had thrown a water bottle at his vehicle while both were traveling southbound on I-75.
Upon receiving the report, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office detailed that the victim had initially thought about confronting Belleastin, but decided to drive on. Belleastin, however, allegedly continued his pursuit, eventually pulling up alongside the victim’s vehicle and firing several shots at him.
In response to the unexpected attack, the victim slowed down his vehicle and returned fire, fearing for his safety.
Investigators noted that Belleastin had also briefly stopped at the Love’s Travel Stop before continuing his journey down I-75. Through the course of their investigation, they were able to identify Belleastin and secure dash camera footage from his truck.
The video reportedly captured Belleastin shooting at the victim on two separate occasions. He is also accused of drawing a second firearm and pointing it at the victim, although he did not fire it.
On March 6, Belleastin was tracked down in Ocala with the help of U.S. Marshals Service agents. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond on multiple charges, including shooting a missile into a vehicle, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony.
According to online records, Belleastin is slated to appear in court on April 9.