TEXARKANA, Texas - A man whose road rage led to a rollover collision in 2019 pleaded guilty this week to aggravated assault in Bowie County.
Jim Ryan Hodges, 40, was seen Jan. 28, 2019, by witnesses making an obscene gesture at a woman driving a white Nissan shortly before striking her intentionally with his white Acura near Westlawn Drive and Loop 151, according to a probable cause affidavit. When Texarkana, Texas, police arrived, they found the Nissan on its side and the Acura sitting in the road with obvious damage.
One witness told police that Hodges was speeding and nearly hit her car before he struck the Nissan being driven by a 23-year-old woman. The witness told officers that the driver of the Nissan was "trying to get out of his way and he hit her so hard she flipped twice."
The victim told officers that she believes Hodges thought she cut him off in the heavy traffic and that Hodges stopped at the intersection of Redwater Road and North Bishop in the right turn only lane.
"(The victim) attempted to drive around Hodges to the left. As she was passing by, Hodges looked at her and accelerated toward her," the affidavit states. "Once the vehicle came to a stop on the passenger's side, (the victim) exited and began to run, fearing that Hodges would further assault her."
A passing motorist assisted the victim until police arrived. She did not know Hodges.
Hodges was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As part of a plea bargain, Hodges pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury and is expected to receive a term of probation.
Fifth District Judge Bill Miller ordered the Bowie County Community Supervision and Corrections Department to complete a presentence investigation report and scheduled the case for formal sentencing in July.
Hodges has been free on a $100,000 bond since the day after his arrest Jan. 28, 2019.
Hodges is represented by Texarkana lawyer Jason Horton. Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter is prosecuting.