‘Heroic’ Father Risks Life for Daughter in North Carolina Road Rage Incident
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ABC News(RALEIGH, N.C.) — A North Carolina dad is being called a hero after he got his daughter out of his car and to safety as his vehicle was being repeatedly rammed in what police are calling a road-rage attack.
Christopher Jost was driving on a highway in Raleigh, N.C., with his daughter on Saturday night, when his car was allegedly rammed several times by a man identified by the Raleigh Police Department as Remy Blaisdell Gagon.
Jost and his daughter drove into a parking lot in front of a Whole Foods to wait for help, but Gagon reportedly followed them and continued to strike their vehicle.
Police say the Raleigh dad found the right moment his daughter could bolt from the car and run into the grocery store for shelter as he waited behind in the car. He followed suit shortly after, with the suspect running after him and eventually getting arrested by police.
Jost first noticed a man was following him before the strikes to his car even began, according to Raleigh officials. During the 911 call with the Raleigh Police Department, which was released Tuesday, Jost — whose voice has been altered to disguise his natural voice — frantically describes what transpired that day as his daughter screams in the background.
Jost: “I’ve got a guy that’s following me, and he’s rear-ended me and now he’s following me again.”
Dispatcher: “And what is your name?”
Jost: “He hit us again! Oh my God!”
Carolyn Floyd, Jost’s sister, told ABC News that she and her brother have discussed the incident at length, and while she doesn’t know what triggered the alleged attacks, she said she does know her brother acted bravely to save his little girl.
“I just believe that my brother is a hero,” Floyd said. “He is an absolute hero.”
According to police, there are no indications the suspect was acquainted with the victims before the incident.
After the victim allegedly chased Jolt around a cash register at the Whole Foods in Wake County, police were able to take him into custody with no indication of a use of force and transfer him to Rex Hospital.
He has since been discharged from the hospital, and is currently in custody at an undisclosed location, police said.
Police say Gagon faces two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of simple assault, and one count of careless and reckless driving.
The incident is under investigation to determine if he was under the influence of any substances.
The public defender’s office in Wake County said Gagon has not been assigned an attorney and no court date for a preliminary hearing has been set.
ABC News called phone numbers listed for Christopher Jost but were unable to immediately reach him.
The district attorney in Raleigh told ABC News they are not aware of the case.
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