ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A Zanesville man has plead guilty to two felony offenses after investigators say he fired a gun into the cab of a semi-truck while the vehicles were traveling on the roadway.
Robert Knight, 72, pleaded guilty in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court to improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school safety zone, with a firearm specification, and obstructing official business.
Knight, who has a prior conviction for aggravated menacing, faces seven to 14 years in prison when he is sentenced at a later date by Judge Gerald Anderson.
The incident occurred March 22, 2026, when Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers responded after a semi-truck driver reported that the driver of a blue Ford Mustang had fired a gun at his truck.
Dash-camera video from the semi showed the Mustang pass the truck in the right lane before slowing and drifting across the hashed lines separating the lanes. The Mustang continued slowing until the two vehicles were traveling alongside each other.
The semi-truck driver then swerved and reported that he did so because the Mustang driver had fired at him.
Sgt. Dent examined the semi and observed a hole in the right side of the truck consistent with a bullet entering the cab.
Investigators used the vehicle description and dash-camera footage to identify the Mustang. A Flock license plate reader search returned a vehicle matching specific features visible in the video.
Investigators determined Knight owned the Mustang, and the truck driver’s description of the driver also matched Knight.
Detective Bryan Ruff, who led the investigation, later located a spent shell casing on the passenger-side floor of Knight’s Mustang.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Knight’s residence and found 18 firearms and ammunition throughout the home.
When officers went to Knight’s residence, investigators said he refused commands, became increasingly angry and aggressive, and would not remain in one place. The Zanesville Special Response Team used nonlethal measures to take him into custody.
Knight was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.
Knight will return to Muskingum County Common Pleas Court for sentencing at a later date.
Last Updated on September 23, 2026 by AVC News
