A 28-year-old man from Longview, Washington, has been sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to second-degree assault for intentionally running over another man in a West Longview parking lot. The incident, which occurred on October 25, 2024, has drawn attention to concerns surrounding road rage and escalating violence in public spaces.
Christian Aaron McPherson was sentenced by Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Thad Scudder, who accepted a plea agreement in which McPherson pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. Originally, McPherson faced more serious charges, including vehicular assault and hit-and-run. However, as part of the plea deal, those charges were reduced. In addition to his jail time, McPherson was sentenced to 12 months of community custody and is under a no-contact order that will remain in place until 2035.
The incident took place in the 5600 block of Ocean Beach Highway, near Papa Pete’s Pizza and Monarca Restaurant, around 1:30 p.m. on the day of the attack. Longview Police were first called to the scene after receiving reports of a man brandishing a gun in the parking lot. As officers were en route, they were notified that a man had been run over. Upon arriving, they found the victim lying in pain on the ground. The victim reported that McPherson had deliberately struck him with a Subaru, resulting in a broken wrist and right knee. Emergency responders quickly transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.
Further investigation revealed that McPherson and the victim had been involved in a physical altercation prior to the incident. A witness told authorities that the two men had argued and fought in the parking lot before McPherson intentionally struck the victim with his vehicle. McPherson, along with his passenger, was later detained on Pacific Way and Pacific Terrace, and police continue to investigate the motives behind the assault. While the details of the altercation remain unclear, it is believed that the incident stemmed from a personal dispute between the two men.
This case highlights the potential dangers of road rage, which can quickly escalate into violent and life-threatening situations. Authorities continue to urge individuals to exercise patience and restraint while driving, emphasizing that conflicts should not be allowed to escalate into violence, especially in public spaces. Road rage incidents are not only dangerous for the individuals involved but can also put bystanders at risk.
McPherson’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of managing conflicts peacefully and the legal consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands. His sentence underscores the seriousness of using a vehicle as a weapon in a personal dispute and the legal repercussions of such actions.
The community of Longview has expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent incidents stemming from road rage, and local law enforcement continues to work toward addressing this issue through awareness campaigns and education. As for McPherson, the legal consequences of his actions will continue to shape his future, while the victim remains on the path to recovery from his injuries.
For more updates on this case and other local news, readers can visit the Spokesman-Review and stay informed on the ongoing developments surrounding public safety in the region.
