Grovetown police have cleared a man who shot at another driver Monday evening when the suspect repeatedly rammed him during an impaired series of wrecks.
Shondarius Freemon, 24, was driving his 72-year-old grandmother on Wrightsboro Road 7 p.m. Monday when suspect Yony-Alberto Mendez repeatedly rammed them at a stoplight near Leven Street, police said.
“Mr. Freemon stated that before he could ascertain what had happened, his vehicle was struck two more times intentionally by Mr. Mendez,” Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens said in a press release. ”Mr. Freemon then stated that he was unable to move forward due to the traffic in front of him and was in fear for his and his grandmother’s life as Mr. Mendez appeared to be preparing to strike them again. Mr. Freemon then produced his legally owned handgun and fired several rounds at Mr. Mendez’ vehicle in an attempt to stop the assault. Mr. Mendez’ vehicle was struck several times by the rounds at which time the assault ceased.”
Police arrived and apprehended Mendez as he aggressively approached the other driver. Police learned that Mendez had also been involved in hit & run moments before near the intersection of Wrightsboro Road and Whiskey Road. That victim followed him and witnessed the incident with Freemon.
Mendez, 23, exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol and possibly other substances, Chief Kitchens said. Police believe the suspect rammed Freemon in an attempt to break free from stalled traffic and escape from the earlier hit & run.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries received by flying glass and later jailed for DUI, hit & run, aggressive driving, reckless driving, driving while unlicensed, and following too closely.
“Based on evidence gathered and statements from third party witnesses, Mr. Freemon’s actions appear to be consistent with acting in self-defense of himself and his grandmother, and therefore no charges were brought,” Chief Kitchens said.
