On October 13, 2020, George Berbakos was driving on route 301 near mile marker 87 in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, when another vehicle merged into traffic behind Mr. Berbakos. Mr. Berbakos perceived the vehicle as following too closely and aggressively “brake-checked” the victim’s vehicle. Berbakos then proceeded to yell profanities out of his window and give the victim the middle finger. Berbakos motioned for the other vehicle to pull over on the side of the road, where Mr. Berbakos approached then approached the driver and continued to yell profanities directed at the driver. Berbakos then grabbed the driver of the other vehicle with both hands around throat, applying pressure to the throat area. Mr. Berbakos then pushed the driver back into his vehicle.

A Queen Anne’s County Deputy on patrol observed both parties to be pulled over on the side of the road and engaged in an altercation. The Deputy stopped his vehicle, which prompted Mr. Berbakos to discontinue the assault on the other driver. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Mr. Berbakos was subsequently found guilty of one count of Assault in the Second Degree after a trial in the Queen Anne’s County District Court. Assistant State’s Attorney, Chelsea Endzel, prosecuted this case.

Mr. Berbakos was ultimately granted Probation Before Judgment and ordered to serve one year of supervised probation.