Driver disarms gunman in Newton road rage incident

By Deirdre Fernandes, Globe Staff

A 21-year-old Newton man pleaded not guilty to assault and gun charges Friday after police said he pulled a sawed-off handgun on another driver during a road rage incident in Newton’s Oak Hill neighborhood.

The other driver, whom police did not identify, wrestled the gun away after employing some calm talk and martial arts skills, police said.

Byung Jin Kang was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail at his arraignment in Newton District Court on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and illegal gun possession.

Kang’s lawyer argued that Kang was trying to defend himself against the other driver.

According to the police report, the other driver said he may have inadvertently cut in front of Kang while making a right turn on Dedham Street. The driver said his view was blocked by a large snow bank. Kang followed behind the other driver, and both drivers pulled over on Wendell Road, the police report states.

Both drivers got out of their cars and Kang pulled out his gun, according to police spokesman Lieutenant Bruce Apotheker.

The other driver talked Kang into putting the gun into his pocket. The driver then forced Kang to the ground and took the gun, Apotheker said.

Kang fled and the other driver called police. Kang was stopped and arrested nearby, Apotheker said.

Deirdre Fernandes can be reached at deirdre.fernandes@globe.com.