JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- A New Jersey truck driver indicted earlier this year in a local road rage incident wants a trial- and he plans to represent himself.

David Keith Kugel, 58, Forked River, NJ, is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The weapon in question is a 2019 Freightliner 18- wheeler.

In court Monday, Eighth Judicial Criminal Court Judge Zach Walden asked prosecutors if an agreement had been reached in the case.

“We do not have an agreement,” said Eighth Judicial Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Cadle.

Kugel wanted to argue the validity of the charge. Claiming he never “made contact” with the car who had called police for assistance, he asked “How’s that aggravated assault?” After repeatedly asking that question, Kugel got his answer from the judge. Walden told him it was not his place to provide legal advice or answer his questions.

“This is your courtroom,” Kugel said.

Agreeing that it was, Walden said Kugel could have a jury trial or a bench trial.

Kugel opted for a jury trial.

As conversation turned to scheduling the trial, Kugel repeatedly asked “So if the so-called witness doesn’t show up” would the case be dismissed?

It was explained to him, if the prosecutors could make the case without the witness, it would move forward.

The state can, Cadle said.

Kugel’s trial is set for July 19.

Caryville Police were alerted to Kugel’s alleged actions on Sept. 13, 2023, when a driver on I-75 called for assistance alleging a commercial vehicle had “hit him and was attempting to run him and other motorists off the roadway,” the report said.

Police positioned themselves at exit 134 when they saw the semi-truck, driven by Kugel, on the southbound side of the interstate, leave his lane and go into the opposite lane nearly causing a collision with another driver. Kugel allegedly continued “to swerve back and forth until he gained control” of his truck. Throughout the situation Kugel used his 18-wheeler “as a weapon” and acted “with no regard to his life or any other motorists on the roadway,” police said.

When he was stopped by the CPD, Kugel said the other driver had run him off the road which resulted in a 10 mile feud with each trying to cut the other one off in traffic. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 4/18/2024- 6AM)

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