Overview
- Police say a minor crash escalated on Friday when 43-year-old Bradley Ratkovich stepped from his vehicle, pointed a Glock 9mm at the other car’s occupants and threatened to shoot.
- A bystander video posted on X captured officers ordering Ratkovich to drop the gun, his compliance on camera, and his arrest after a medical evaluation.
- Court records show Ratkovich was charged with two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, two counts of first-degree harassment and one count of being ineligible to carry dangerous weapons; he pleaded not guilty, waived a preliminary hearing and was released on a $12,000 cash bond.
- Ratkovich’s attorney says he will file a notice of self-defense and contends he drew the firearm after being rear-ended and fearing he would be run over.
- Investigators are still gathering evidence, including traffic-camera footage that police say could affect the crash inquiry, and officials warned that bringing a gun into a traffic dispute raises the risk of serious violence.