TACOMA, WA – Today, a Pierce County Superior Court jury found Jeffery Paul Giblin, 55, guilty of assault in the first degree and failure to remain at injury accident.
Because of the attack, the victim had to have his lower leg and foot amputated.
The case was handled by Deputy Prosecutor Kawyne Lund. “The sudden foolishness of another, that erupted into rage cost a good man his leg but not his spirit,” said Lund.
On September 10, 2016, just before 5:00 PM, Giblin was attempting to enter westbound SR 512 from Canyon Road. The victim, B. Loredo, was also entering westbound SR 512 from Canyon Road. Giblin flipped off Loredo, then cut him off. Loredo tried to proceed northbound to I-5, but Giblin again cut him off.
Both cars continued northbound on I-5 and exited to 38th Street/SR 16.
Giblin was preventing Loredo from passing. The two cars eventually pulled over to the shoulder of South 38th. Both men got out of their cars. Words were exchanged and Giblin tried to punch Loredo in the head, but Loredo was able to avoid the blow. Loredo then pushed Giblin back into his car.
While Giblin was in the car, Loredo's brother, A. Loredo, was walking between the two cars to tell his brother to get back in the car. The defendant put his car in reverse and rapidly backed up, hitting A. Loredo and crushing his leg between the two cars. Giblin then drove away.
Giblin had a male child in the car with him and according to court documents, the child mouthed the words, "I am sorry," to A. Loredo.
Witnesses followed Giblin’s car and Giblin was arrested a short time later.
“This case is a tragedy for the Loredos and a cautionary tale for others I hope,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.
Giblin faces up to 11 years in prison when he is sentenced February 9.
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