A Niles man was arrested this week after allegedly pointing a gun at another driver on the Indiana Toll Road during what Indiana State Police are describing as a road rage incident.

According to the police report, John M. Hochstedler, 50, of Niles, was taken to the Lake County (Ind.) Jail and charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, a Class C Felony, on Monday.

The report said the victim and Hochstedler were driving next to each other eastbound on Interstate 80 near Grant Street when Hochstedler attempted to change lanes into the victim’s lane. Hochstedler was driving a Dodge pickup with a trailer in tow. The victim told police they honked their horn to warn Hochstedler he was about to hit their car. The victim stated they were unable to change lanes when Hochstedler tried to come over because of heavy traffic. The victim stated Hochstedler caught up with their vehicle and was traveling side by side. The victim was able to see Hochstedler clearly as he extended his middle finger. The victim then returned the gesture.

The victim then stated they put distance between their vehicle and Hochstedler when they saw the pick-up “zipping” in and out of traffic in an attempt to catch up with them.

Hochstedler then pulled his vehicle alongside the victim’s vehicle where they saw Hochstedler moving his lips and making angry facial expressions. They also observed he was holding his steering wheel with his left hand and holding a firearm in his right, pointing directly at the victim.

The victim was able to give a description of the driver, vehicle and the firearm to the troopers.

Police stopped Hochstedler’s vehicle at I-80 near the Portage exit.

When the driver was asked if he had a firearm in his truck he stated he did. A semi automatic weapon was located in the rear passenger compartment on the center floorboard behind the center console. It was loaded, but there was no round in the chamber.

Hochstedler denied pointing a firearm at another motorist.