Pottstown Man Pleads No Contest in Urgent Road Rage Shooting Case
UPDATE: A Pottstown man has just pleaded no contest to felony aggravated assault in connection with a shocking road rage incident that escalated to gunfire in New Hanover Township. Keith Michael Chaney, 28, entered his plea today in Montgomery County Court, admitting that prosecutors could prove he fired a weapon at another driver on May 29, 2024.
This urgent case has raised significant concerns over public safety and responsible gun ownership. Prosecutors allege that Chaney attempted to inflict serious bodily injury with extreme indifference to human life after firing a gun during a traffic altercation near Big and Middle Creek roads. Fortunately, the victim, who was driving with his younger brother, was not injured, but this incident highlights the potential dangers of escalating road rage.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Joseph Waeltz Jr. stated, “Had this case gone to trial, the Commonwealth would have presented testimony from the victim,” stressing the severity of Chaney’s actions. Waeltz emphasized that a gun should never be a tool for intimidation or anger, stating, “It shows that Mr. Chaney, although a legal firearm owner, was an irresponsible one.”
At the hearing, Chaney’s defense claimed he fired a shot into the ground, asserting he did not intend to hit anyone. However, this plea agreement has serious implications, as Chaney now faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years.
Judge Risa Vetri Ferman will announce Chaney’s sentence alongside separate gun-related charges from a previous conviction related to a multi-county gun trafficking network. In September, a jury found him guilty of illegally transferring firearms and possessing prohibited weapons, which could add over a decade to his prison time.
The road rage incident unfolded around 8:22 PM on May 29. The victim reported that after a brief encounter with Chaney, who was riding a red and white Suzuki motorcycle, he heard a “bang” while turning onto Middle Creek Road. An inspection of the victim’s vehicle revealed no bullet damage, but police found a spent casing nearby, linking the incident to Chaney after his earlier arrest on gun trafficking charges.
Further investigations revealed incriminating text messages between Chaney and an associate discussing the shooting, sending shockwaves through the community. Detectives also recovered surveillance footage of Chaney with what appeared to be a firearm hours before the road rage incident, raising questions about his conduct leading up to the event.
This disturbing case is part of a broader investigation into a gun trafficking operation involving Chaney and several other individuals, all accused of illegally obtaining and distributing firearms, including 3-D printed ghost guns. Law enforcement agencies utilized various techniques, including cellphone data analysis and surveillance, to dismantle this alarming network.
As this case continues to unfold, it highlights the urgent need for discussions surrounding responsible gun ownership and the impact of road rage on community safety. The community and officials are watching closely as Chaney waits for sentencing, with many calling for significant prison time to serve as a deterrent against such reckless behavior.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities work to ensure accountability and public safety amidst rising concerns about gun violence.
