Road Rage Driver Arrested in Southern Oregon, June 19

Richard A NUCKOLS, age 18, of Medford, was arrested for several incidents of road rage and aggressive driving that was a result of an ongoing investigation by the Oregon State Police. This investigation was initiated related to a driving complaint received by the Southern Command Center (SCC) of the Oregon State Police on May 11, 2015 at 12:38PM. The initial 911 call identified NUCKOLS’ vehicle, a vibrant blue 2013 4-door Dodge Dart. The vehicle was uniquely identified by tinted windows and black aftermarket wheels. The victims in this first known incident described extremely reckless driving at the Milepost 27 (South Medford) interchange area. NUCKOLS was traveling northbound on Interstate 5, speeding excessively prior to the exit and then intentionally swerved at and ultimately forced the two victims (driver and passenger) off the roadway and onto the shoulder. Both victims sustained head and neck injuries while avoiding the collision. Ongoing investigation continued related to the May 11th incident. As the investigation progressed Senior Trooper Tom Harrison uncovered three additional incidents of extreme and intentionally reckless driving by NUCKOLS. The following is a summary of the other events: * On March 11, 2015, NUCKOLS reportedly ran multiple vehicles off I-5 at Exit 27. This incident was reported by a single victim who reported NUCKOLS speeding excessively, following too closely, and using his vehicle to intentionally cause other vehicles to swerve out of his way. * On May 18, 2015, NUCKOLS ran four motorcycle riders off the interstate at Exit 27, eventually causing one of the riders to be forced to lay down his bike. * On May 21, 2015, NUCKOLS was reported to be driving recklessly northbound on Interstate 5 between the Talent, Oregon and Phoenix, Oregon interchanges. NUCKOLS made numerous erratic lane changes at high rates of speeds when he suddenly pulled in front of the victims. NUCKOLS then slammed on his brakes in the fast lane at an estimated 70 MPH down to 35 MPH. Just prior to taking Exit 24, NUCKOLS swerved violently towards the victims and caused them to partially leave the roadway into the center median gravel shoulder. Each of the described incidents were presented to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office and an indictment was obtained charging NUCKOLS with 4 counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Vehicle), 2 counts of Assault III, 4 counts of Reckless Endangering Another Person and 4 counts of Reckless Driving. On June 16, 2015, at 4:10 PM, NUCKOLS was arrested and bail was set at $98,000.