FLAGSTAFF, Arizona — Flagstaff Police investigate a road rage incident that occurred on March 19, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of East Route 66, involving a Tesla and a Chevrolet Cavalier. The altercation escalated into a violent encounter, resulting in charges of disorderly conduct, assault, and aggressive driving, according to a news release issued on March 30, 2025.
The driver of the Cavalier, identified as Robert Artherton, 33, of Flagstaff, exited his vehicle and approached the Tesla, leading to a confrontation. Both drivers reported minor injuries and claimed the other acted aggressively, with witnesses describing erratic driving behavior by both prior to the incident. Artherton was arrested after a medical evaluation confirmed he needed attention for an injury to his hand, though the motives behind the incident remain unclear due to conflicting accounts.
The incident took place on a busy stretch of Route 66, a historic road that sees heavy traffic in Flagstaff, a city of about 75,000. Road rage incidents have been a growing concern in Arizona—Arizona Department of Public Safety reported a 12% increase in aggressive driving citations statewide from 2023 to 2024. Flagstaff Police investigate the case, listed as incident number P2503245, and are seeking additional details. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414.
