One arrest made and another ticketed after road rage incident involving three vehicles

On August 29, 2025, New York State Police at Homer arrested one person and ticketed another after a road rage incident on Interstate 81 that involved three vehicles. 

Robert J. Budd, age 26 of Brewerton, NY was charged with the misdemeanors of Driving While Intoxicated, Menacing and Reckless Driving.

A Trooper was dispatched by the Cortland County 911 to Interstate 81 southbound for a road rage incident that also reported the operator of a vehicle brandishing a firearm.  A driver reported that a male operator in a pick-up truck was operating the vehicle recklessly and pointed a gun at them.  It was also reported that a second pick-up was also involved during in incident. 

Troopers were able to intercept the vehicles on Interstate 81 south in Homer and stopped the vehicles.  An investigation revealed that Budd was intoxicated and in possession of three (legally possessed) handguns.  A Trooper conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment.  Budd was transported to SP Homer, where his reportable B.A.C was .16%.  The operator of the second pick-up was also ticketed for Reckless Driving (misdemeanor). 

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department.