A Brainerd man held a machete out his car window at people in another vehicle during a road rage confrontation in Crow Wing County, according to charges.

Ethyn Jeremy Anderson, 23, faces a charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to the criminal complaint, deputies were dispatched at about 9:27 a.m. on September 21 to County Road 3 and Severson Drive in Merrifield for a report of a road rage incident with someone brandishing a machete. The complainant told law enforcement he was teaching a family member how to drive a stick shift when the male driver of a silver Honda behind them began honking and appeared upset after they stopped at a roundabout to let another vehicle go.

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The complainant reported that the driver of the Honda followed them southbound on County Road 3. As they went to turn east onto Twin Lakes Road, the driver slowed down and pulled up on the passenger side of their vehicle. The complainant said the other driver held a machete out the window about five feet from him.

An officer found the suspect vehicle and conducted a stop. A deputy who arrived saw a black handle that appeared to be a machete between the passenger seat and the center console of the Honda.

A deputy also spoke with the woman who was driving, who backed up the account. The victim told the deputy she felt fear and anxiety after Anderson brandished the machete at her vehicle and worried he might follow her.

Anderson admitted to brandishing the machete during the confrontation, according to the complaint. A deputy told Anderson he was under arrest and took him to the Crow Wing County Jail.

The charge alleges Anderson used a dangerous weapon, the machete, to assault the woman who was driving.

The charge was filed Wednesday, September 23, in Crow Wing County District Court.

About This Charge

Second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, under § 609.222, is a felony. The complaint lists a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

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