FREMONT COUNTY, Iowa — A pickup truck driver has been arrested after a violent road rage confrontation in late June that escalated from a county road onto Interstate 29 and ended with a steel hitch ball being thrown through a semi-truck’s windshield, authorities said.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced that Cory Gene Behrens, 42, was taken into custody on July 10 on multiple charges, including Intimidate with a Dangerous Weapon, Going Armed with Intent, Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, and Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began shortly after 4 p.m. on June 25 on 195th Avenue in Percival, where Behrens, driving a blue pickup truck, allegedly brake-checked a semi-truck multiple times, drove erratically, and stopped in the roadway to confront the truck driver. Deputies say he even kicked the side of the semi as it attempted to drive around him.

The aggression continued as both vehicles entered northbound I-29. Investigators say Behrens swerved toward the semi before stopping again, exiting his truck, and — while the semi was traveling at interstate speeds — throwing a 1 7/8-inch steel hitch ball that pierced the truck’s front windshield.

Dash camera footage from the semi played a key role in identifying the suspect, officials said. Behrens was arrested following the investigation.

No injuries were reported, and the case remains under review.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.