Ohio preacher, 71, avoids jail in road rage case

CINCINNATI—A 71-year-old Cincinnati preacher convicted of waving a gun and threatening another driver won't be going to jail. A Hamilton County judge on Thursday sentenced Thomas Howell to two years' probation and 100 hours of community service on his conviction for aggravated menacing.

Howell can't possess any weapons while on probation and must give up his concealed weapon permit.

The judge said most gun threat cases lead to jail but Howell would be spared because the minister has prostate cancer and glaucoma.

Howell was driving to First Commandment Church of the Living God in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood in June when another driver cut him off. The cars chased each other, and the other motorist said Howell threatened to shoot her and called her names.