West Hartford Police arrested two suspects who were involved in a road rage incident that escalated to an altercation and the firing of a gun Monday night in the Corbin’s Corner area. [Updated, March 16, 1 p.m.]

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police said Tuesday that two suspects were taken into custody Monday night on multiple charges following an incident that began as road rage in the area of 1445 New Britain Ave. in the Corbin’s Corner area around 9:05 p.m., escalated into a physical altercation near Shake Shack, and ended up with one suspect firing his weapon before both vehicles sped off on I-84 east toward Hartford.

The victim called 911 once on the highway, and the call was received by Connecticut State Police who were able to detain both vehicles on the I-84 Exit 48 ramp in Hartford where West Hartford Police arrested the suspects around 9:30 p.m., Lt. Aaron Vafiades said.

According to Vafiades, the suspects, identified as Brandon Bottom, 34, of Ozark, AR, and Drew Newman, 26, of Lakeland, FL, were in the same car when they engaged another vehicle in a road rage incident. Both cars stopped in front of the Shake Shack restaurant at 1445 New Britain Ave., police said, and engaged in an altercation.

Bottom fired a single shot, and then police said both drivers fled the scene, headed east on I-84 toward Hartford.

No one was injured as a result of the gunshot, Vafiades said.

Bottom has been charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment, discharge of a firearm from a public highway, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon with a high capacity magazine, carrying a pistol without a permit, and carrying a firearm under the influence.

Bottom is in custody on $500,000 surety bond and due in court Tuesday.

Newman was charged with reckless driving, weapon in a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, breach of peace, and carrying a dangerous weapon with a high capacity magazine. He was held on $250,000 surety bond and due on court Tuesday.

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