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FHP: Driver Threatens Family With A Gun; Arrest Made On I-10 Near Highway 29
January 6, 2019
A driver that allegedly threatened a family on the highway was arrested Saturday afternoon near the Highway 29 exit.
Gregory Welchel, age 57 of Panama City, was charged with aggravated assault and booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $7,500.
At approximately 1:50 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol Communication Center received a report of an individual driving a Black Cadillac Escalade towing a white box trailer brandishing a handgun and threatening a family traveling in a minivan.
After updated reports of the black Escalade traveling west on I-10 in Escambia County, several FHP troopers responded and canvassed the interstate. The Escalade was intercepted and stopped just west of Highway 29 where Welchel was taken into custody. The handgun was discovered in the driver’s door console, according to troopers.
Comments
6 Responses to “FHP: Driver Threatens Family With A Gun; Arrest Made On I-10 Near Highway 29”
This man is my brother and the article does not tell the whole story. He was very wrong in the way he responded to this lady, but this is an isolated incident. From what I understand he pulled out in front of her on the highway, she continuously laid on the horn proceeding to give him the finger. It never occurred to him that children were in the vehicle because of the crude way she was behaving. He showed his firearm so she would leave him alone. It was wrong and she did not know he was harmless. He is a retired decorated sergeant from the United States Army who served more than one tour in Desert Storm. He is a good friend to his friends and a wonderful son and brother. He is a person and he is loved. Everyone that knows him adores him. He made a mistake and will pay for it. He easily has 100 personal friends and family members standing behind him because we know he is not dangerous. I know my comment does not mean much, but it hurts to see people hate when they have not been given all the details.
Taking away someones right to carry will not stop them. If someone wants to carry a gun they do. If they cared about the laws they wouldnt act like idiots. I know my ex was arrested and his right to carry taken away. It didnt stop him. He shot me im just lucky and thank God every day im alive to raise my kids. Yes I left him before it happened but the laws dont apply to idiots.
I doubt that losing a carry license will alter this man’s behavior. He evidently has some anger issues. Consequences need to be much more severe.
You don’t need a background check or concealed permit to carry in your vehicle.
If he’s convicted he won’t be legal to be near any firearm. No need for a permit then.
@bewildered :
The gun in question was bagged as evidence. Aggravated assault charges pretty much also permanently end the ability to carry a concealed weapon.
If he is convicted and does not plea down to a lesser charge, then what I said will take place. If he retains an attorney and pleas down to a smaller charge that is not a felony, he can petition to have his gun returned, and the misdemeanor charge may not affect his ability to pass the background check for a concealed permit.
this depends on the state attorney who prosecutes the case: the prosecutor can assess the facts as presented in the case and determine whether or not a plea bargain or a trial is the better option for the state.
be interested to see how this one turns out.
This individual bonded out immediately. I would hate to be the next driver going slow or whatever and be in this man’s way. Hopefully they took the gun away and will revoke his license to carry.