Esprit Sonnel, 33, of Dade City, Florida, is facing charges after authorities allege he repeatedly struck another vehicle with a semi-truck during an Interstate 65 road rage incident in Jasper County.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Indiana State Police responded around 3:09 a.m. on May 8, 2026, to a reported crash near the 207-mile marker on Interstate 65 near Remington after dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a semi-tractor truck had struck a red passenger vehicle multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The driver of the Nissan Altima told police he continued following the semi while remaining on the phone with 911 dispatchers in an effort to get the truck driver to stop. The driver alleged the semi accelerated, turned off its lights, weaved between lanes, and brake checked him while traveling northbound through Jasper County.
Authorities said both vehicles were eventually stopped near the 231-mile marker at a rest stop parking area by a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy. Troopers observed damage to the rear bumper of the Nissan that was reportedly consistent with tow hooks found on the semi-tractor truck.
According to court documents, Sonnel admitted to investigators that he “bumped” the vehicle during the incident. Police said Sonnel claimed he was attempting to pass the Nissan, but the driver would not allow him to get around the vehicle. Troopers stated Sonnel allegedly admitted he “bumped the vehicle gently several times” in an effort to get the vehicle to move out of his way.
Investigators identified the semi as a gray 1999 Peterbilt hauling a tanker trailer with Wisconsin registration plates. Sonnel allegedly later told troopers the Nissan repeatedly sped up and slowed down while he was trying to pass and claimed the other driver brake checked him before the collisions occurred.
The Nissan driver told police the semi repeatedly tailgated him with flashing strobe lights before striking his vehicle multiple times. He stated he feared the semi driver was intentionally trying to cause a crash and eventually moved out of the way after allegedly being hit a third time.
Police further alleged the semi continued driving recklessly after the collisions by shutting off its lights, weaving through traffic, exiting and re-entering the interstate, and slamming on its brakes in front of the victim’s vehicle.
Sonnel was transported to the Jasper County Jail following the incident.
Charges filed May 15,2026:
Intimidation With A Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
Criminal Recklessness Committed With A Deadly Weapon — Level 6 Felony
Aggressive Driving — Class A Misdemeanor
Leaving The Scene Of An Accident — Class B Misdemeanor
