Wilkes sheriff deputies are investigating an apparent case of road rage that fortunately ended without either driver being hurt. What happened depends on whose version of events you believe. A deputy was sent to meet one of the men Sunday along highway 421. Christopher Hurley says he was merging onto 421 westbound from the 421 Business route, and a green Chevy pickup was following him too close. He tapped his brakes to get the other driver to back off. The other driver, John Drolet of Millers Creek, says Hurley cut him off as he was finishing moving some furniture, and if he hadn't slammed on his own brakes, he would have hit Hurley form behind.

Either way, the vehicles stopped alongside the road, and Drolet got out to confront Hurley. Hurley says the other man smacked his window with an open hand, and threatened that if such a thing ever happened again, he'd "come through the window" and get Hurley. Drolet admits to the verbal confrontation, but does not agree with Hurley's other statements.

Hurley followed Drolet home, and after seeing where he lived, called for a deputy. The deputy went with Hurley to the house, where Drolet at first would not admit to being part of the incident. Then he gave his story, taking each item claimed by Hurley and toning it down a bit. When the deputy asked Drolet to apologize fro what happened, he did, but Hurley says he wasn't convinced. Nevertheless, the matter didn't cause any damage or injury, so the deputy's role was done. He did tell Hurley how to contact a magistrate and file a warrant on Drolet if he chose to do so.

See website for complete article licensing information.