A quiet night in New Scotland, New York, turned tense when a food delivery mix-up ended with a man taking a hatchet to someone’s car.

Police said it happened just before midnight on June 28

The driver had reportedly pulled up to the wrong address. According to police, 43-year-old Paul D. Byron stepped outside with a hatchet and demanded to know why the driver was there.

The driver tried to explain, but when things escalated, they backed away and drove off. That’s when Byron allegedly took multiple swings at the vehicle with the weapon. The car was damaged, but the driver was unharmed, WNYT shared.

Troopers arrested Byron for his misuse of a hatchet at the scene

He now faces charges for attempted assault, criminal mischief, and menacing. Police said the driver did the right thing by getting away safely and reporting the incident.

While the idea of protecting your home is a deeply rooted instinct, there’s a line between self-defense and criminal behavior. New York law allows homeowners to act in defense if they face a real threat. But threatening someone who poses no danger, especially when they’re simply lost or confused, can cross into assault and menacing. That’s what investigators believe happened here.

The bizarre incident adds to the growing number of violent outbursts on American roads and driveways

The NHTSA, AAA, and Pew Research Center have all flagged road rage as a rising concern in the U.S., with aggressive behavior often spilling beyond the highway. Even minor misunderstandings, like a wrong address, can spiral when emotions and weapons come into play.

Drivers, especially delivery workers, should stay alert. Experts recommend backing away from hostile situations and calling law enforcement rather than trying to reason with an angry person. 

It might feel awkward to walk away, but it beats ending up on the receiving end of a hatchet.