DES MOINES, Iowa — A routine fender bender turned into a felony investigation Friday afternoon after police say a man stepped out of his car and pointed a handgun at two teenagers instead of exchanging insurance information.
Officers responded to a crash near Southeast 14th Street and East McKinley Avenue just after 2:30 p.m. One person was injured in the collision itself.
But what happened next is what has everyone talking.
What Police Say Happened
According to investigators, 43-year-old Bradley James Ratkovich got out of his vehicle after being rear-ended and pointed a Glock 9mm at the two occupants of the other car — an 18-year-old driver and his 16-year-old passenger.
Witness statements and cellphone video from bystanders reportedly support that account. Officers are also waiting on traffic camera footage to fill in additional details.
Ratkovich was taken to a Des Moines hospital for a medical evaluation before being booked into the Polk County Jail.
The Charges He Now Faces
Ratkovich has been charged with two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, two counts of first-degree harassment, and one count of carrying a weapon as a prohibited person.
He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney told reporters that Ratkovich acted in self-defense after being rear-ended at an intersection.
Bond was set at $12,000 cash. His next court date is scheduled for early August.
A Reminder for Every Driver
A minor crash is frustrating. Getting rear-ended is worse. But this case is a stark reminder that how you respond in the moments after a collision matters — legally and personally.
What do you think about how this situation unfolded? Share your thoughts in the comments.
