Charges Filed for Deliberate Homicide and Attempted Homicide
A Montana man has been arrested after allegedly using his car to intentionally run a motorcycle off the road, killing its driver in a violent road rage incident. The man, identified as Michael J. Gambale, is facing one count of deliberate homicide and three counts of attempted deliberate homicide, according to court documents filed by Carbon County prosecutors.
Gambale was arrested in Cody, Wyoming, on Tuesday and is awaiting an extradition hearing scheduled for Friday in Red Lodge, Montana.
Swerving at Motorcyclists Near Rockvale
The incident began when Gambale allegedly swerved at two motorcyclists—brothers—who were riding near the town of Rockvale, Montana, early Tuesday afternoon. Court records indicate that Gambale’s silver car struck one of the riders on the leg, though both managed to avoid being forced off the road. One of the motorcyclists told investigators that Gambale then made a U-turn and pursued them, driving on the wrong side of the highway while yelling and flipping them off.
The brothers described the driver as “yelling wildly” and acting aggressively before they managed to escape further harm.
Fatal Crash Near Belfry
A few hours later, at around 2:30 p.m., Gambale reportedly forced another motorcycle off the road near the town of Belfry. This crash proved fatal, killing 70-year-old Martin Hans Peter, a Swiss citizen, according to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. Peter’s passenger survived with road rash injuries and was hospitalized in Billings.
Authorities later arrested Gambale in Cody, Wyoming. When apprehended, his car displayed damage consistent with the reported incidents, including missing a plastic mirror cover, which was found at the scene of the fatal crash.
Road Rage and Conflicting Statements
Gambale claimed he believed he was being harassed by a motorcycle gang after a previous encounter on Interstate 90 near Laurel, Montana. However, his version of events did not align with witness testimonies. In his motion to file charges, Carbon County Attorney Alex Nixon noted that Gambale’s account conflicted with the statements from the motorcyclists and other witnesses.
Probation Violation and Upcoming Hearings
In addition to the charges in Montana, Gambale is facing a probation violation hearing in Wyoming. He remains in custody in Cody until his Friday court appearances.
Gambale’s attorney, Rives White, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
This violent road rage incident has shocked the community, with Gambale now facing serious charges for the tragic death of Martin Hans Peter and the endangerment of other motorcyclists in the area.
