Charlotte, NC, December 17, 2025
In a recent case in Charlotte, Jacob Zazeski was sentenced to prison after being convicted of a violent road rage shooting. The incident, which occurred in October, involved Zazeski firing nine shots at another motorist following a confrontation on the road. The victim suffered multiple injuries and has undergone extensive therapy. Zazeski’s conviction is part of a larger concern about road rage incidents in the Charlotte community.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A Northeast Charlotte man has been sentenced to prison for a road rage shooting that occurred in October 2023. Jacob Zazeski, 26, received a sentence of 67 to 93 months, equivalent to approximately 5.5 to 7.75 years, in a North Carolina prison after being convicted on December 5, 2025.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
On December 5, Zazeski was found guilty in Mecklenburg County Superior Court of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and injury to personal property. The conviction followed a jury trial related to the incident on North Sharon Amity Road.
The shooting took place on October 24, 2023, near Milton Road. Prosecutors presented evidence that Zazeski was driving recklessly while late for work. Following an instance where the victim gestured in response to Zazeski’s dangerous driving, Zazeski reportedly pulled his vehicle in front of the victim’s car and stopped abruptly. When both vehicles stopped at a red light, the victim exited his car with his hands raised, indicating he was unarmed.
Zazeski, who was in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic firearm, then fired nine shots in the direction of the victim. Three bullets struck the victim: one in the right hand, one in the right leg, and another on the left side of his back. An additional shot hit the driver’s side door of the victim’s car. The victim endured months of physical therapy to recover the use of his right hand. Zazeski’s projected release from prison is between 2031 and 2033. Court records indicate that Zazeski has appealed the verdict.
Impact of Road Rage Incidents on Community Safety
The sentencing of Jacob Zazeski highlights ongoing concerns regarding aggressive driving and road rage incidents in the Charlotte area and across North Carolina. Such events pose significant threats to public safety, often escalating from minor disputes to violent confrontations. The judicial system’s response to these crimes underscores the seriousness with which the state addresses acts of violence on its roadways.
Recent Road Rage Cases in the Charlotte Area
Several other notable road rage incidents have recently drawn attention in and around Charlotte, reflecting a broader pattern of dangerous behavior. In January 2025, Anil Dabydeen, 39, was charged in connection with shooting two individuals during a road rage incident on Interstate 485 in southwest Charlotte. Dabydeen was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, despite having a prior felony conviction for first-degree manslaughter in New York in 2008. This decision sparked public concern given his past record and the nature of the new charges.
Another high-profile case involves Terrell Eugene Giddens, 75, who was charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder following a fatal road rage shooting near Lake Norman in October 2024. Giddens allegedly used an AR-15 to kill a father of three, with the victim’s children present in the vehicle. In May 2025, a judge denied Giddens bond, citing the extreme danger he posed to the community. Investigators stated that Giddens admitted to following the victim after a perceived tailgating incident and later disposed of the weapon and clothing in Lake Norman.
These cases collectively underscore the critical need for drivers to maintain composure and prioritize safety on the roads to prevent potentially tragic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jacob Zazeski convicted of?
Jacob Zazeski was convicted on December 5, 2025, of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and injury to personal property.
What was Zazeski’s sentence?
Zazeski was sentenced to 67 to 93 months in a North Carolina prison.
When and where did the shooting occur?
The shooting happened on October 24, 2023, on North Sharon Amity Road near Milton Road in Northeast Charlotte.
What were the circumstances leading to the shooting?
Prosecutors stated that Zazeski was driving recklessly when the victim gestured in response to his dangerous driving. Zazeski then pulled in front of the victim’s car and stopped. When both cars stopped at a red light, the unarmed victim exited his vehicle, and Zazeski fired nine shots, hitting the victim three times.
Has Jacob Zazeski appealed his conviction?
Yes, court records show that Jacob Zazeski has appealed the verdict.
What are other recent road rage incidents in the Charlotte area?
Other recent incidents include Anil Dabydeen being charged in January 2025 for a shooting on I-485 and Terrell Eugene Giddens being charged with murder in October 2024 for a fatal road rage shooting near Lake Norman.
Key Features of the Road Rage Shooting Sentencing
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Defendant Name | Jacob Zazeski | Charlotte, NC |
| Age | 26 | Charlotte, NC |
| Conviction Date | December 5, 2025 | Charlotte, NC |
| Charges | Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury; Injury to personal property | Charlotte, NC |
| Sentence | 67 to 93 months in prison | North Carolina (State-level) |
| Incident Date | October 24, 2023 | Charlotte, NC |
| Incident Location | North Sharon Amity Road near Milton Road | Northeast Charlotte, NC |
| Victim Injuries | Three bullet wounds (right hand, right leg, left back); required months of physical therapy | Charlotte, NC |
| Appeal Status | Verdict appealed | North Carolina (State-level) |
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