Horn-Honking Leads to Weapons Offense, Criminal Mischief Charge in Boca Raton

Victor J. Marchionne (Photo: Palm Beach County Jail)

An instance of horn-honking in Boca Raton spiraled into a road rage incident that resulted in weapons and criminal mischief charges being filed against a local man.

According to a Boca Raton police report, the confrontation started earlier in the evening of June 8 when the driver of a silver 2015 Jeep Wrangler drove past a home in the 1200 block of Southwest 12th Avenue and intentionally honked the horn to “antagonize” the resident there. Investigators later identified the resident as Victor J. Marchionne, 18.

Around 12:38 a.m. Tuesday, as the Jeep traveled southbound on North Dixie Highway and approached West Palmetto Park Road, its driver saw a silver 2004 Lincoln Navigator approaching from the northbound lane, the report stated. The Navigator’s driver then steered the SUV onto the curb and positioned it directly behind the Jeep as the Jeep’s driver negotiated a right turn onto westbound West Palmetto Park Road, the report states. At that moment, an occupant of the Navigator allegedly leaned out of the window and threw a flashlight at the Jeep, causing its rear window to shatter. The Jeep’s driver told police he heard a loud bang that sounded like a gunshot and immediately fled the area out of fear for his safety. Damage to the rear window was estimated at approximately $4,000.

Officers from the department’s Tactical Unit later located the Navigator as it returned to the SW 12th Avenue address. A traffic stop was conducted and both occupants were detained. The passenger, Marchionne, “spontaneously” told an officer that he had thrown a flashlight at the Jeep’s rear window, according to the report. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Marchionne allegedly confirmed in an interview that he threw the object in retaliation for being antagonized by the Jeep’s occupants.

The driver of the Navigator was identified as Marchionne’s father. No charges against him were detailed in the report.

Investigators chrged Marchionne with throwing a “deadly missile” into an occupied vehicle – the formal name of such a charge – and criminal mischief causing damage exceeding $1,000. Both are felonies. Marchionne was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail and released after posting $2,000 bond.