Batesville Man Charged in Road Rage Gun Incident

Accused of pointing gun at another driver's head in bank parking lot

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 45-year-old Batesville, Arkansas man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly pointing a gun at another driver's head during a road rage incident in a bank parking lot. Michael Wayne Fraley was released on a $2,500 bond after the incident, which was witnessed by multiple people and captured on video.

Why it matters

Road rage incidents involving firearms are a growing public safety concern, as they can quickly escalate and put innocent bystanders at risk. This case highlights the need for better education and enforcement around safe driving behaviors and appropriate responses to traffic conflicts.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Fraley and another driver were driving erratically on a street in Batesville when one of the vehicles pulled into a bank parking lot. Fraley then allegedly got out of his car, approached the other driver, and began cursing at him. Fraley is accused of then pulling out a handgun and pointing it at the other driver's head. Witnesses provided the license plate number to police, and video footage from the bank reportedly showed Fraley "screaming and cursing" at the other driver and raising his arm as if pointing a weapon.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • Fraley was booked into the Independence County Jail at 3:32 p.m. on February 7, 2026.
  • Fraley was released on a $2,500 bond at 6:07 p.m. on February 9, 2026.

The players

Michael Wayne Fraley

A 45-year-old Batesville, Arkansas resident who has been charged with one count of aggravated assault, a Class D felony, for allegedly pointing a gun at another driver's head during a road rage incident.

The Victim

The other driver involved in the road rage incident, who the police affidavit states Fraley "aggressively approached" and pointed a gun at in the First Community Bank parking lot.

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What they’re saying

“Fraley was 'extremely irate and cursed' at the other driver before pulling a handgun and pointing it at the victim's head”

— Witness (KAIT8)

“When the victim began opening his glove box, Fraley said that's when he pulled his firearm.”

— Michael Wayne Fraley, Suspect (KAIT8)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Michael Wayne Fraley to remain free on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of road rage incidents involving firearms, which can quickly escalate and endanger public safety. It underscores the need for better education and enforcement around safe driving behaviors and appropriate responses to traffic conflicts.