Police say road rage led to bizarre brawl

PHOTOGRAPHER: Justin Mason

State police believe a case of road rage during a trip to see the Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train was the motive for a home invasion that left the alleged assailant unconscious and facing felony burglary charges Sunday.

Investigators are still trying to piece together what precipitated a bizarre fracas in an Alexander Street residence, but they suspect a heated argument and subsequent home invasion followed an incident involving two motorists driving on Route 395 around 5:30 p.m.

“Right now, it’s still under investigation,” state police spokeswoman Maureen Tuffey said. “There is the possibility there could have been some problematic behavior on both sides, and that’s what we usually see [in road rage cases].”

The preliminary investigation suggests that driver Sean H. Kingsland followed another motorist back to his residence, then pulled into his driveway after the road incident. Kingsland and passenger William R. Pitt got out of their vehicle to confront the man, who went into his home at some point during the argument, police said.

Both Kingsland and Pitt followed the man inside, where the verbal altercation turned physical, police said. The homeowner was subsequently able to subdue Kingsland, prompting Pitt to flee the residence.

At some point during the altercation, Kingsland was knocked unconscious. He was later treated at Ellis Hospital for his injuries and released early Monday morning.

Kingsland, 25, of Delanson, was later charged with a felony count of second-degree burglary and a misdemeanor count of third-degree attempted assault. Pitt, 24, of Scotia, was arrested a short time after the dispute and charged with second-degree criminal trespass.

Tuffey said Kingsland and Pitt were apparently on their way to see the Holiday Train, which made a stop in Delanson Sunday, but details about the road rage incident are still sketchy. She said one of the drivers was enraged by the vehicle in front of him driving too slow, while the other claimed he was being tailgated by an aggressive motorist.

“We’re getting conflicting stories,” she said.

Tuffey said it’s unclear who landed the first blow inside the residence. She said additional charges could be forthcoming.

Tuffey said instances of road rage are relatively common; the home invasion and altercation after the road rage incident makes this case very uncommon.

“They certainly don’t usually follow you into the house,” she said.

State police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the barracks in Princetown or call 630-1700.