A motorist with an apparent hatred for cyclists has been caught on camera firing a gun at a group of riders during a shocking road rage incident in Italy.
Shots Fired During Training Ride
The alarming event unfolded in Verona last Saturday. A 25-year-old driver, attempting to overtake a peloton of cyclists on a pre-Christmas training camp, allegedly pulled out a blank-firing pistol and discharged it twice towards the group.
Local media reported that the act created 'an extremely dangerous situation' and was apparently motivated by trivial disagreements over road manoeuvres. The team was being led by former professional cyclist and current RAI TV commentator, Alessandro Petacchi, at the time they were targeted.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following a three-day investigation, local authorities tracked down and seized the weapon. Police used license plate analysis and local intelligence, noting the suspect's vehicle had a non-functioning headlight, which helped narrow the search.
The blank-firing pistol was discovered hidden under the floor of the car's boot. Officers stated this detail, along with the fact the red safety cap had been removed, suggested the weapon was not held for innocent recreational purposes.
The driver, who has no prior criminal record, was reported at liberty to the Verona Public Prosecutor's Office. He faces charges for aggravated menacing, possession of weapons or objects capable of causing offence, and dangerous explosions.
A Pattern of Dangerous Road Rage
This incident echoes a similar confrontation in the United States last year. In 2023, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a furious driver pulled a gun on a motorcyclist during a heated argument at a busy intersection in broad daylight.
Footage showed the pair arguing before the driver brandished the weapon and the biker moved towards his motorcycle. Fortunately, a police car arrived instantly, with officers shouting for the gun to be dropped and ordering both men to the ground, leading to their immediate arrest.
The Verona case highlights the extreme and potentially lethal consequences when road rage escalates, posing severe risks to all road users, particularly vulnerable groups like cyclists.
