RICHMOND, Texas – A road rage incident in Fort Bend County has landed a Richmond man behind bars for six months.
District Attorney Brian M. Middleton announced that 35-year-old Armando Martinez was convicted by a jury last week and sentenced to 180 days in jail for assaulting a teenage driver following a minor crash in 2024.
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Prosecutors say the incident happened on June 12, 2024 along Highway 90A in Sugar Land. A 16-year-old driver had accidentally collided with Martinez’s vehicle, causing only minor scratches.
The teen was driving himself and his 13-year-old cousin to Bible study at the time.
When the teen got out of his car to check the damage and exchange information, things quickly escalated. Authorities say Martinez attacked the teen, strangling him and leaving a visible red mark on his neck.
A Sugar Land police officer arrived shortly after and arrested Martinez following an investigation. Police also discovered a firearm and ammunition inside Martinez’s vehicle.
The case went to trial, where jurors took less than an hour to find Martinez guilty. They then recommended a six-month jail sentence.
Lead prosecutor Evan Vinson said he was pleased with the outcome.
“I am glad justice was done for the victim and his family, and grateful to the jury for holding the defendant accountable,” Vinson said. He also praised the Sugar Land Police Department for their response.
District Attorney Middleton emphasized that situations like this should never turn violent.
“Violence is never the answer, and I am thankful the victim was not hurt more seriously,” Middleton said. “If people cannot learn how to peacefully resolve their differences, we will remind them of the better choice they should have made.”
Martinez was tried in County Court at Law No. 1 before Judge Christopher G. Morales.
The charge, assault causing bodily injury, is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas and carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Martinez was eligible for probation.