A 36-year-old Fort Myers man faces multiple felony charges after deputies say he intentionally rammed a vehicle carrying a North Carolina family off the road over the weekend, causing it to spin out and crash into a barbed-wire fence.
Law enforcement officials arrested Michael Jeffrey Spires following the road rage incident, which took place around 7:30 p.m. near Kanner Highway along Interstate 95.
According to investigators, Spires used his vehicle to execute a PIT maneuver—a precision driving technique used by law enforcement during pursuits—against the family’s car. The impact forced the vehicle off the roadway.
Deputies determined the confrontation was entirely unprovoked, noting there was no evidence that any of the victims participated in a dispute.
Moments before crashing into the family’s car, Spires allegedly targeted another driver. That victim told investigators Spires chased her through a gas station parking lot before following her onto the highway, where he attempted to run her off the road. Victims from both encounters reported seeing Spires flailing his arms and displaying gang signs while driving.
No injuries were reported among the victims, which included a child inside the family’s car.
Deputies also recovered an unharmed dog from Spires’ vehicle during the arrest. Investigators later learned that Spires had stolen the animal from an ex-partner. The dog has since been safely returned to its owner.
Spires was booked into custody and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and child abuse.
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