An Ocala man was arrested for battery after allegedly injuring a woman’s leg during a road rage incident near Gator Bay Bar & Grill in Leesburg.
A deputy responded to the restaurant, located at 10320 County Road 44, to investigate a reported road rage incident involving 55-year-old Donald McCrady at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Dispatch relayed multiple call-ins about a disturbance between a silver Ford and several motorcycles on County Road 44. One caller, later identified as McCrady, stated that a female driver tried to force him and another motorcyclist into oncoming traffic. The driver also called to say McCrady slammed her vehicle door into her leg, causing injury and bleeding, and that she feared for her safety, the report said.
Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the driver who stated she had been driving east on County Road 44 and tried to merge into traffic. Multiple motorcyclists intentionally hit their brakes in front of her vehicle, causing traffic to stop. McCray even dismounted his motorcycle and approached her vehicle while yelling at her, the report said.
As she opened her door, he forcefully pushed it inward multiple times, hitting her lower leg and ankle area. She immediately felt pain and saw bleeding from her lower leg. Out of fear, she got back into her vehicle, the report said.
The driver then went around the motorcycles, but the group followed her. They revved their engines at several red lights, positioned themselves along both sides of her vehicle and blocked her movement. She continued to fear for her safety and believed she was in danger, the report said.
The deputy subsequently talked to McCray and was told the driver had been following extremely close behind him. He believed she tried to force him and another motorcyclist into oncoming traffic. He admitted stopping his motorcycle and approaching her truck to confront her, the report said.
He also acknowledged going up to her driver’s door as she opened it but minimized physical contact. He claimed she was screaming and being aggressive. He then stated he returned to his motorcycle and left the area, later pulling into the parking lot of Gator Bay, the report said.
McCray was ultimately arrested for battery and transported to Lake County Jail. The Ohio native was released after posting $1,000 bond.