A Sumter County man is facing the consequences of his actions after being found guilty of felony criminal mischief for wielding a sword during a road rage incident.
45-year-old Lawyel Louis Sloan was convicted following a jury trial. The charges stemmed from a November 2022 incident where Sloan engaged in a road rage encounter with two individuals.
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According to witness testimony, Sloan drove erratically, cut off the victims’ vehicle, and then exited his car to taunt them. When the victims attempted to leave, Sloan blocked their vehicle and physically confronted them.
The situation escalated when Sloan retrieved a sword from his truck and chased the victims, striking their vehicle with the sword and causing significant damage.
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Deputies who responded to the scene found Sloan to be agitated and under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
“Using a weapon in a manner that endangers lives and public safety will not be tolerated,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The jurors rejected the defendant’s testimony, weighed the evidence, and ultimately held him accountable for his reckless behavior and actions.”
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