Man Avoids Felony Charges After Pointing Gun at Driver in York County

Marc Chapman sentenced to probation for misdemeanor terroristic threats

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Marc Chapman, 28, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, was initially charged with felony use of a firearm and terroristic threats after allegedly pointing a gun at another driver on Interstate 80 in York County. The more serious felony charges were later reduced, and Chapman pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor terroristic threats charge. He was sentenced this week to two years of probation and possible future jail time if he violates the terms of his probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety and appropriate charges when dealing with potentially dangerous road rage incidents involving firearms. The reduction of the initial felony charges to a misdemeanor has raised concerns about accountability and deterrence for such reckless behavior on public roads.

The details

According to court documents, the incident began when a motorist reported that Chapman, driving a pickup truck, had cut him off aggressively and then pointed a firearm at him. Deputies later stopped Chapman at the Milford exit and found a fully loaded semi-automatic handgun in his vehicle. Chapman claimed he never pointed the gun directly at the other driver, but rather held it up towards the ceiling of his vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on Interstate 80 near the Waco exit in York County, Nebraska.
  • Deputies with the York County Sheriff's Office and Seward County Sheriff's Office responded to the call and stopped Chapman at the Milford exit.
  • This week, Chapman was sentenced to two years of probation and possible future jail time for the reduced misdemeanor charge.

The players

Marc Chapman

A 28-year-old man from Elkhorn, Nebraska who was initially charged with felony use of a firearm and terroristic threats, but later pleaded no contest to a reduced misdemeanor terroristic threats charge.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial report of a weapons violation and traffic complaint on Interstate 80.

Seward County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted in stopping and detaining Chapman at the Milford exit.

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What they’re saying

“The reporting party said the other motorist was driving aggressively and cutting in between vehicles, and he pointed a firearm at the other driver.”

— York County Sheriff's Deputy (justmelaniew.com)

“The driver said he thought Chapman was going to shoot him.”

— Reporting Party (justmelaniew.com)

“Chapman claimed the reporting party came up fast behind him, getting close to his rear bumper and he tapped his brakes. Chapman said it was the other driver who was throwing hand gestures and yelling at him. He said he never pointed a firearm at the other driver.”

— Marc Chapman (justmelaniew.com)

What’s next

The judge will monitor Chapman's compliance with the terms of his probation, which could include future jail time if he violates the conditions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for more robust accountability measures and deterrents for reckless and dangerous behavior on public roads, especially when firearms are involved. The reduction of the initial felony charges to a misdemeanor has raised concerns about whether the punishment fits the severity of the alleged actions.