Mahopac man accused of pointing loaded gun at school bus during Taconic Parkway road rage
Mount Pleasant, NY – A morning commute carrying young children turned into a terrifying encounter on the Taconic State Parkway after a driver allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at a school bus during a road rage incident.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning near Exit 3 on the southbound Taconic State Parkway as a school bus traveled toward Scarsdale. Authorities said the bus was occupied by a driver, a bus monitor, and three students, two of whom were just 3 years old.
According to investigators, the bus driver changed lanes from the left to the center lane when a nearby vehicle pulled alongside the bus. Police identified the driver of that vehicle as Michael Alarcon, 19, of Mahopac. Authorities allege Alarcon produced a handgun and pointed it at the bus driver. Prosecutors said he also aimed a laser at the driver during the confrontation.
The bus driver exited the parkway at the nearest exit to get away from the situation. Alarcon drove off but was later located by police. Officers reported recovering a loaded handgun equipped with a large-capacity magazine from his vehicle.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said the incident could have ended in tragedy and credited the bus driver’s composure with ensuring the children were not physically harmed. Community members described the allegations as disturbing and difficult to comprehend.
Alarcon faces multiple misdemeanor and felony charges. He pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and did not enter a plea on the felony charges during his arraignment. Bail was set, and he is scheduled to return to court on February 19.
Key Points
- A Mahopac man is accused of pointing a loaded handgun at a school bus
- The bus was carrying three young children on the Taconic Parkway
- The suspect faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges
