Hays County Road Rage Incident Ends in Fatality: 100% Avoidable, Authorities Say

A road rage incident turned tragic in Hays County on Friday, Nov. 29, when a physical altercation between two drivers led to a fatal accident. According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, 45-year-old John Paul Ramirez and 46-year-old Charles Allen Rice exited their vehicles near U.S. 290 and Nutty Brown Road following a dispute. Witnesses reported that during the confrontation, Rice punched Ramirez, who fell into the path of oncoming traffic and was struck by a vehicle.

First responders rushed Ramirez to an Austin hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Hays County Sheriff-elect Anthony Hippolito expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the impact on Ramirez’s family, especially during the holiday season. “Someone’s family member is not coming home to spend the holidays with their loved ones,” Hippolito said.

The sheriff’s office arrested Rice, who has been charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony. He was released on a $25,000 bond. “It was essentially road rage, which escalated into an altercation, leading to the victim being knocked into traffic,” said Hippolito. “This was 100% avoidable.”

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact Detective Mike Bishop at 512-393-7818.

Hippolito also stressed the importance of driving with patience and respect. “Don’t let your emotions dictate how you drive or treat others. It’s essential that we drive courteously, no matter how we’re treated on the road,” he said.

According to a recent AAA survey, aggressive driving has become a growing concern, with two-thirds of drivers acknowledging it’s a bigger issue today than just three years ago. AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe noted that behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers contribute to road rage. Men, particularly younger ones, are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors, including intentionally hitting another vehicle or confronting another driver.

“Be tolerant and forgiving. If someone does something to you on the road, let it go. Don’t engage,” Shupe advised.

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