A Brooklyn, New York, man is facing federal charges for arson after he allegedly threw an explosive device into a Verizon utility work van in a road rage incident earlier this year.
Kevindale Nurse, who was driving a white minibus with his 4-year-old son in it, allegedly drove erratically before cutting off a Verizon utility van in the Jan. 31 incident, according to the U.S. Justice Department, which unsealed the indictment Thursday.
Nurse then opened the door of the minibus and allegedly threw an explosive device into the driver’s side window of the Verizon van, causing an explosion inside the vehicle, federal officials said.
The 36-year-old was arrested in New York City on Thursday.
The two repairmen sustained multiple injuries and their van was extensively damaged by the blast. The Verizon employees were working on high-speed data lines and fiber optic equipment at the time.
This image provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, shows a Verizon utility van that was damaged and two workers injured when lit fireworks were tossed inside in an apparent road rage incident, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Courtesy U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York via AP
“As alleged, Nurse deliberately threw an explosive device into the window of another vehicle on a public road, endangering the lives of the vehicle’s occupants and others in the area,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, road rage is an all-too common occurrence in our communities,” he continued. “But this dangerous and senseless attack on a busy intersection in the heart of Brooklyn was beyond the pale.”
He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail in his first court appearance Thursday.
If convicted, Nurse faces seven to 40 years in prison.
“There is no place in civil society for the spreading of fear through intimidation, violence, and destruction,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement.
The appointed lawyer listed for Nurse did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A man in Florida is facing charges after allegedly throwing an explosive device into a Verizon utility van during a road rage incident. The incident occurred on a busy highway, causing panic and chaos among drivers and pedestrians in the area.
According to witnesses, the man was driving aggressively and tailgating the Verizon van before pulling alongside it and throwing the explosive device through the window. The explosion caused significant damage to the van and injured the driver, who was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The man fled the scene but was later apprehended by police and charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder and possession of an explosive device. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, but road rage is believed to be a contributing factor.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the potential consequences of losing control in a fit of anger. Road rage incidents can escalate quickly and have serious repercussions, not only for those involved but also for innocent bystanders.
It is important for drivers to remain calm and composed behind the wheel, even in stressful situations. Taking deep breaths, listening to calming music, or pulling over to take a break can help diffuse tension and prevent aggressive behavior on the road.
Additionally, if you encounter a driver exhibiting signs of road rage, it is best to avoid engaging with them and instead contact law enforcement for assistance. Reporting aggressive drivers can help prevent potentially dangerous situations from escalating and protect yourself and others on the road.
In conclusion, the recent incident involving the explosive thrown into a Verizon utility van serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of road rage. It is crucial for drivers to prioritize safety and exercise patience and restraint while driving to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring.
