State Police in Horseheads investigate a road rage incident on I-...

Press Release

On August 12, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the New York State Police in Horseheads responded to a complaint of a gunshot fired during a road rage incident on I-86 eastbound in the town of Big Flats near the Elmira Corning Regional Airport.

Investigation of the incident revealed a subject operating a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck with a Colorado registration had fired a handgun at another motorist operating a blue Toyota Rav4 with a New York registration during a driving altercation. The victim was interviewed, and a bullet hole was located on the passenger's side rear door of the Rav4.

Subsequent to a search of the area, the suspect was located and identified as 40-year-old Jacob R. Heckman of Denver, Colorado. A further search of the area where he was located resulted in a .380 caliber Ruger handgun, which was illegally possessed in New York State, being found. Heckman was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony) and Reckless Endangerment 1st (D Felony). He was arraigned in the Town of Big Flats Court and committed to the Chemung County Jail on a $50,000 cash or $200,000 bond pending further court proceedings.

The New York State Police were assisted on the scene by the Chemung County Sheriff's Office and Horseheads Police Department.

This is an ongoing investigation. Any person who possibly witnessed any of this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police in Horseheads at 607-739-8797.