A Madisonville-area man was arrested on April 29 following a road rage incident that took place on U.S. Highway 190 near the Interstate 12 westbound ramp.
According to authorities, Matthew Swire, age 29, was traveling southbound on Highway 190 shortly before 5 p.m. when he intentionally rammed another vehicle. After striking the victim’s car, Swire exited his own vehicle and tried to open the victim’s doors while also shouting racial slurs and repeatedly hitting the other vehicle, causing further damage.
Deputies said that when they arrived at the scene, Swire resisted arrest by kicking a deputy and grabbing the deputy’s genitalia. He was taken into custody and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
Swire faces several charges including criminal damage to property, simple assault, reckless operation of a vehicle, resisting a police officer with force or violence, sexual battery, battery of a police officer, aggravated battery, aggravated criminal damage to property, hate crimes as well as no insurance and no seatbelt violations.
“Violence and hate-fueled behavior have no place in our community,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “I commend our deputies for their swift response and professionalism in safely taking this individual into custody. We will continue to hold those who engage in this type of reckless and aggressive behavior fully accountable.”
