Man arrested for road rage gunfire on I-10 is local pastor

GRAMERCY - A church leader from Baton Rouge allegedly fired a handgun at another person after causing a wreck on I-10 last week.

Louisiana State Police says Christopher "Checkerz" Williams, 47, was booked Feb. 12 on several charges tied to the attack. A ministry assistant confirmed to the Advocate Tuesday that Williams is the lead pastor at Renew Church, adding that the situation is being handled internally.

Williams was allegedly driving erratically on I-10 east in Gramercy when his vehicle hit the 18-wheeler. The driver of the semi called police to report the driver, but Williams allegedly stuck a handgun out the driver's side window and shot at the truck. The gunfire struck the tractor-trailer, but no one was hurt.

After firing the weapon, Williams reportedly fled the scene.

State troopers were later able to identify Williams as the aggressor, and he eventually turned himself in.

He was booked into the St. James Parish Jail for aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal carrying and discharge of weapons, and reckless operation.