Ludington man arrested following Mackinac Bridge road rage.

Pirkola

Ludington man arrested following Mackinac Bridge road rage.

MACKINAC COUNTY — William Pirkola, 65, of Ludington, was arrested Saturday by Michigan State Police following a road rage incident on the Mackinac Bridge. According to UpNorth.com/7&4 News, the incident began on eastbound US 2 when two vehicles were traveling to the bridge and the drivers began allegedly feuding over lane usage. Pirkola told troopers the other driver would not let him merge on US 2 and then later on I-75 as the two vehicles approached the Mackinac Bridge toll booths. 

After going through the toll booth, the other vehicle, driven by a 63-year-old Williamsburg man, merged in front of Pirkola due to a lane closure.

Pirkola then allegedly struck the vehicle driven by the Williamsburg man, prompting the Williamsburg man to get out of his vehicle and confront Pirkola. At that point, Pirkola allegedly pointed a handgun in the air and fire one shot, according to the Michigan State Police. 

A .40 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun were seized by troopers along with one spent .40 caliber cartridge recovered from the driver’s side seat. Pirkola was lodged in the Mackinac County Jail awaiting arraignment.

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