A 60-year-old man from Massachusetts is facing serious legal repercussions following an altercation that escalated into a road rage incident involving gunfire. Steven License has been charged with multiple offences after reportedly firing a weapon during a confrontation triggered by a seemingly minor act of littering.
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The incident took place on Thursday, 23 July, when License’s wife, Mary, carelessly discarded a tissue out of their car window while driving. This small action provoked another motorist, who began tailgating the couple’s vehicle. The situation quickly deteriorated, leading to a violent confrontation in the parking lot of a public library in Hingham.
According to reports from local news outlets, police received alerts about gunshots around 4:22 p.m. They were dispatched to the library’s parking area, where they found the couple’s car still at the scene, although the truck driven by the other individual had already left. The authorities later identified the man in the pickup as the incident’s victim.
The tailgating motorist claimed he strongly opposes littering and expressed his frustration over the tissue being thrown from the car. The situation escalated when both drivers parked their vehicles and exited to confront one another. Surveillance footage captured a heated exchange of words between Mary License and the man in the truck, which culminated in Steven License allegedly firing two shots from his side of the car.
Recounts from the police indicated that License warned the other driver to “stay back” several times before discharging the firearm. However, police investigators, after reviewing the video evidence, found no indication that any physical altercation took place between the two parties. In fact, the footage revealed that the truck driver was walking away from the confrontation when the shots were fired, leading authorities to conclude that License’s wife was not in actual danger.
Fortunately, the gunfire did not result in any injuries to the individuals or damage to nearby property. However, the gravity of the incident led to License being taken to a local hospital due to stress-related issues following the confrontation.
Importantly, it has been reported that Steven License’s gun license had previously been suspended in 2022, at which time around 50 firearms were removed from his residence. Despite this history, he had secured a current license to carry when the incident occurred.
Charges against License are substantial, including assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held without bail as the legal process unfolds.
His next court appearance is set for 29 July, where further developments in the case are expected. The incident highlights how quickly road rage can escalate and underscores the serious implications of using a firearm in such situations. As investigations continue, the local community grapples with the ramifications of this troubling event.