Livermore man, 70, arrested in Fresno County road rage incident

A Livermore man was arrested on May 15 after Fresno County sheriff’s deputies say he fired a gun at a passing car during a road rage incident on Interstate 5 near Highway 198.

Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti said that a man was driving north on Interstate 5 when he saw a Toyota Camry weaving in and out of traffic behind him. The Camry began to tailgate him, and the man pulled into the right lane to allow the Camry to pass.

After he later passed the Camry using the left lane, it pulled up next to him and the driver – later identified as John Sayer, 70 – fired one shot at him, Botti said.

Botti said Sayer then attempted to speed away from the victim, who began to chase him and record the Camry with his cell phone. A California Highway Patrol officer pulled the victim over for speeding. The victim shared his story and the video with the officer, who noticed the passenger side of the car had a bullet hole.

The Camry’s registration was matched to Sayer, who was arrested at his home later that day without incident. Deputies seized seven guns – all legally registered in Sayer’s name – and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the home. Sayer has no criminal history.

Sayer was booked into Fresno County Jail on felony charges of assault with a firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle. He has since posted bond and bailed out of jail.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Livermore man, 70, arrested in Fresno County road rage incident."