These political bumper stickers were at center of gun-brandishing road rage in Ozark

The Ozark man accused of pointing a gun at a woman whose political bumper stickers he found "stupid" had his case moved toward trial on Wednesday.

Edward K. Burns, 48, was charged in August with unlawful use of a weapon after prosecutors say he pointed a gun at a local Democratic activist during a highway road rage incident.

The activist, Laura Umphenour, said Burns' actions were an attack on free speech.

The defense attorneys, on the other hand, said Burns was simply standing his ground.

Burns, Umphenour and their attorneys were at the Christian County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon for a preliminary hearing about the events of Aug. 24.

Umphenour took the stand first.

She said she was turning northbound onto U.S. 65 from Christian County CC when a man — later identified as Burns — passed her while flashing a "loser" symbol by making an L shape with his thumb and index finger.

Umphenour said she caught up to Burns and gave him the universal "what gives?" symbol by raising her palms in front of her face.

She said Burns responded with another hand gesture — she's not sure if it was the loser symbol again or the middle finger.

The 63-year-old Umphenour responded by giving Burns the middle finger as they drove down U.S. 65.

That's when Umphenour says Burns pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.

"I was very fearful for my life," Umphenour said in court Wednesday.

Umphenour she sped off in a frenzy after "looking down the barrel" of the gun.

Moments later, Umphenour said the back of her minivan made contact with the front of Burns' vehicle. She lost control and crashed into a guardrail.

During cross-examination, Burns' attorney Dee Wampler questioned Umphenour about her bumper stickers, which prompted an objection from the prosecutor.

"She's a political activist, your honor," Wampler said. "She has bumper stickers on her car because she wants to provoke and draw attention to herself."

Umphenour provided the News-Leader with a photo of her vehicle from the time of the crash. Displayed are bumper stickers promoting Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and pro-climate issues, along with others opposing Fox News, puppy mills and President Donald Trump.

Wampler also grilled Umphenour about her hand gestures. At one point, Wampler made Umphenour flash the middle finger on the witness stand.

The next witness was Detective Anthony Appleton with the Ozark Police Department.

Appleton testified about his interview with Burns after the road rage incident.

According to Appleton, Burns said the incident started because he thought Umphenour's bumper stickers were "too much" and over the top.

The probable cause statement used to charge Burns says he called the bumper stickers "stupid."

Appleton testified that Burns initially claimed he pointed his fingers at Umphenour in the shape of a gun but later admitted to pointing a handgun, which officers found in his vehicle.

As for why Burns pointed the gun, Appleton said Burns told police he wanted to put an end to all the maneuvering and hand-gesturing.

According to Appleton, Burns told police Umphenour was crowding his lane and flipped him off multiple times.

Appleton said he did not interview Umphenour as part of his investigation.

After hearing testimony from the two witnesses, Judge Doug Bacon sent the case on to circuit court, where a trial will eventually be scheduled.

Wampler told the News-Leader the case will definitely go before a jury.

Wampler said he intends to argue that Burns was threatened by Umphenour's aggressive driving and he acted within his legal self-defense rights by pointing the gun.

Umphenour has hired attorney David Ransin to represent her in a potential lawsuit against Burns.

Ransin said the case is a clash of two important constitutional rights — gun rights and free speech rights.

"You don't point a gun at another person because you don't respect their beliefs," Ransin said.

Umphenour said she is not opposed to guns, and her husband is a gun enthusiast. She also said she's not anti-American. She pointed out that her license plate "STDFST" (steadfast) is a tribute to 9/11 victims.

After the incident on U.S. 65, however, Umphenour said she has removed all of the bumper stickers from her van.

"I don't want anyone else to do it to me again," Umphenour said.

Unlawful use of a weapon is a Class E felony punishable by up to four years behind bars.