A man from Kingston Township was given a sentence on Thursday for firing a shot during a road rage episode on the North Cross Valley Expressway. His lawyer stated that he suffers from extreme paranoia and was previously a victim of a shooting.
Erik Alexander Viquez, 27, of Roushey Street, Shavertown, was sentenced by Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough to nine-to-23 months in the county correctional facility for aggravated assault, followed by five years of consecutive probation for another count of aggravated assault.
Viquez admitted guilt to the charges on Feb. 12.
Assistant District Attorney Julian Truskowski, who handled the case with Assistant District Attorney Maria McCuskey, called it a senseless act.
Judge Vough questioned, “What were you thinking? It was a foolish thing to do.”
According to court records, Viquez was heading south on the expressway and became involved in a road rage incident on Jan. 4, 2023, when another motorist tried to enter the Kingston exit.
The other motorist got too close to Viquez’s vehicle while changing lanes for the exit.
Both drivers exchanged hand gestures while driving side by side, as per court records.
Viquez showed a firearm and fired a shot at the other vehicle, which had three passengers inside.
Viquez’s attorney, Theron Solomon, stated that Viquez was not taking medication for his mental illness, which he described as 'extreme paranoia.' He also mentioned that Viquez had been a victim of a past shooting during a road rage incident.
Vough made Viquez eligible for work release as he is employed full-time in the construction industry and may apply for early parole.
