An early Wednesday morning case of road rage involving a U Haul truck ended in the arrest of the driver and the damage of ten vehicles through two counties.

The first incident took place near the intersection of SC Hwy. 213 and US 176 in Newberry County when the U Haul got in front of a vehicle and would not allow the victim around the truck. After several attempts of trying with the U Haul swerving at him and the driver making threatening hand gestures, the victim stopped and attempted to turn around. The U Haul backed into the victim then turned around and drove head on into the victim. After an exchange of threats, the suspect in the U Haul drove off at high speed East on US 176. The U Haul continued down US 176 striking nine more vehicles before being stopped by Richland County Deputies near the intersection of US 176 and I 26.

The driver of the U Haul was identified as Francis Louis Laplant, IV of Greenville, SC. Laplant was arrested and charged with one count of Assault and Battery Second Degree and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage.

Sheriff Lee Foster stated that the suspect intended to hit the vehicles and cause damages. At present, there is no connection between the suspect and any victims. The first victim hand not had an encounter with him and only came upon him as he blocked the intersection, requiring him to drive around. It appears the suspect was agitated before encountering any of the victims.

Laplant was transported to the Newberry County Detention Center under a $1,000 bond. He will later be transported to Richland County to receive further charges.