A 33-year-old Florida man, Nicolas Andrew Totherow, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and several other felonies after allegedly chasing down a vehicle carrying four people, including a child, and opening fire during a road rage incident that spanned several miles.
The Road Rage Incident
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident began at approximately 3:14 p.m. on Wednesday, near the intersection of Highway 92 and Wiggins Road. A 911 caller reported a man was following their vehicle and actively shooting at them. The victims, who were traveling with a child, remained on the phone with dispatchers as Totherow pursued them through Park Road and the eastbound on-ramp to Interstate 4.
Totherow continued firing his weapon while tailing the victims onto I-4 and pursued them further as they exited onto County Line Road. Deputies later found the victims’ vehicle, which had been struck by gunfire multiple times.
Totherow’s Arrest and Admission
Totherow was arrested later that evening after detectives identified him as the suspect. During an interview, Totherow allegedly admitted to firing multiple rounds at the victims’ vehicle and expressed his intention to kill the driver. He reportedly stated that the victims had cut him off and brake-checked him twice, which led him to act violently. Totherow also admitted to having no remorse for his actions.
Additional Findings
Following Totherow’s arrest, investigators found a loaded Taurus TH9C 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s seat of his vehicle, with a magazine containing 16 live rounds. Additionally, they found a vape pen containing a substance consistent with cannabis resin, which field testing confirmed had THC levels above the legal limit.
Totherow was also driving with a suspended license, which had been suspended weeks earlier due to financial reasons, and he had been notified about the suspension before the incident.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
In addition to attempted murder, Totherow faces charges of discharging a firearm from a vehicle, shooting into an occupied vehicle, armed possession of a controlled substance, and driving with a suspended license.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the violent behavior, stating, “This reckless and violent behavior put multiple innocent lives at risk on our roadways. We will not tolerate violence in our community.”
Totherow is currently being held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday, according to court records.
This incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the severe consequences that can result from violent, reckless actions on the road.
