Charlotte County alleged road rage incident between neighbors ends with arrest

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

A man is accused of punching and throwing rocks at his neighbor after an alleged road rage incident in Charlotte County Monday.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, John Prapotnik, 62, was arrested and is facing a charge of burglary with assault or battery.

The victim's wife reported that her husband was left with a bloody face, swollen lips, and bruises on his face and arm.

The victim told deputies that around noon, he passed a driver that was driving too slowly on Kings Highway. The victim said he noticed the driver got mad and saw him wave his hands in the air.

The victim told deputies he noticed Prapotnik following him home on Suncoast Lakes Boulevard. The two men were unaware they lived in the same neighborhood.

Upon arriving at Suncoast Lakes, the victim said he stopped his car and rolled down his window to ask why he was being followed. According to an affidavit, Prapotnik exited his vehicle and is accused of punching the victim several times.

A witness reported hearing Prapotnik threatening to break the victim's arm. Deputies said Prapotnik was accused of pulling the victim's arm out of the car, bending it backward, letting go and throwing rocks at the victim before 911 was called.

Deputies arrested Prapotnik for burglary with assault or battery, but he has been released on bond from the Charlotte County Jail.

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