Road rage: NJ teen allegedly hurls soda bottle into moving car

PISCATAWAY — A 19-year-old was arrested Tuesday following a road rage incident in which he allegedly threw a soda bottle from his car into another moving vehicle.

Thomas Nicholson, of Tinton Falls, was driving a Chrysler 300 on Route 287 in Piscataway at about 4:38 p.m. when the alleged road rage incident occurred. State Police say the teen and the driver of an Acura RDX were heading northbound near milepost 9, when Nicholson allegedly hurled a bottle of soda into the other vehicle then drove off.

According to police, the driver of the Acura was able to capture Nicholson's license plate number. Police tracked the teen down at he home and placed him under arrest. He was charged with interference with transportation and released pending a court appearance.

Police caution drivers against becoming involved in "tolling or roadside confrontations," which they say can escalate quickly and become dangerous.

"The suspect in this instance is only alleged to have thrown a soda container," State Police said in a statement. "While this incident is not as scary or dangerous as someone brandishing a weapon or trying to ram your car, it could have had tragic consequences if one of the driver's lost control and caused serious or fatal accident."

Drivers who witness aggressive driving can dial #77, or if they believe they're in danger, police say motorists should call 911.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.