The criminal case against a Rindge man who allegedly brandished a hand gun during a December road rage incident will move to trial.
Officials at the Jaffrey District Court said Wednesday that an Aug. 15 trial date has been set for Larry Cleveland, 52, who has been charged by with a misdemeanor count of criminal threatening.
Cleveland pleaded not guilty to the charge in May, after being charged by Rindge police on March 28.
Cleveland faces up to a $1,200 fine and no jail time, according to NH RSAs 625:9 and 651:2.
Cleveland allegedly pointed a hand gun at another vehicle containing three people at the intersection of Route 119 and Route 202 on Dec. 10, 2016, according to a redacted affidavit obtained by the Ledger-Transcript via a public records request.
The three alleged victims told police that they were stopped at the intersection, when a newer model black Jeep Cherokee pulled up next to them. After a verbal altercation, the driver of the Jeep — who was later identified as Cleveland — allegedly drew a small black pistol from his lap area and pointed it at the dashboard, then the driver, and finally at the dashboard again, before the light turned green and he continued north on Route 202.
Cleveland was stopped later that day by Jaffrey police, who determined that Cleveland was carrying a permitted concealed 9mm firearm, which matched the alleged victims’ description. Cleveland’s gun was loaded with a full magazine and a bullet in the chamber, according to the affidavit.
Cleveland denied the firearm allegation in a subsequently interview with Rindge police, although he admitted to being involved in a road rage incident. Cleveland told police that the firearm remained in his holster underneath his shirt and jacket during the entirety of the incident.
Cleveland said he was wearing black gloves, but the alleged victims said he was gloveless.
Attorney Evan F. Nappen, whose website says he “has dedicated his life to fighting for gun rights and honest sportsmen,” is representing Cleveland in the case.
Cleveland is a member of Save Our Town — a resident committee that formed about four years ago, opposing a zoning amendment that would have created an overlay district at the intersection of Routes 119 and 202. He has also been involved in a number of veteran-related causes in town.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.