EDITORIAL - Gun, goon, and gall

It would seem that road rage is “all the rage” these days. Almost every day someone posts a video of some motorist going off against another for something that doesn’t really warrant a heated exchange, let alone a threat or, worse, an actual physical altercation.

However, the latest hothead to become an example of how not to behave behind the wheel isn’t just some driver; he is an inspector from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

It would seem that Insp. Jaime Hermogenes Flores Jr. didn’t watch those reels or reports featuring motorists who have been suspended for losing their cool on the road and making trouble. Either that or he didn’t learn from them.

After the vehicle Flores was driving collided with another along EDSA last Friday night, June 12, Flores got into an argument with a driver. Traffic enforcers had them pull over to the side of the road where the other driver said he told Flores he was willing to settle amicably.

 However, Flores allegedly pulled out a gun and shouted profanities at him, prompting him to ask for help from policemen who were patrolling.

Policemen accosted Flores and found his gun. He also later admitted he was drunk while he was driving at the time. So there’s more than just one offense committed. He was acting like a goon, he had a gun, and he also had the gall to confront someone while he was armed with a deadly weapon and intoxicated.

He would later find himself in front of the media during a press conference, beside his Napolcom boss --who might not be his boss for long-- apologizing for his actions. He is now facing charges for grave threats, but we don’t think his troubles will end there.

It’s sad that some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

Hopefully someone watching his apology video will think twice before resorting to rash behavior, grave threats, or even violence over a traffic altercation that can be settled in ways where no one loses.

If not, then he or she can always serve as the next example of how not to behave on the road.