A Lansdale man has been sentenced to probation and community service for yelling racial slurs at a Black woman during a November 2021 road rage incident in Lansdale Borough.
Joseph Ingersoll, 41, pleaded guilty in April to one count of ethnic intimidation — a third-degree misdemeanor. Additional charges of ethnic intimidation, harassment, disorderly conduct, and related offenses were dismissed in exchange for his plea.
On Tuesday, Montgomery County Comon Pleas Judge Risa Ferman sentenced Ingersoll to one year of probation along with 150 hours of community service at a site that addresses racial discrimination and hate crimes. Sentencing notes indicate Ingersoll must also undergo an anger management evaluation, avoid further contact with the victim, and complete training on racial discrimination, hate crimes, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ingersoll was facing a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 on the ethnic intimidate charges.
Police were dispatched to a business along the 700 block of East Main Street at 12:18 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2021, for a report of a road rage incident, according to the criminal complaint. Upon arrival, police spoke with a Black female victim who stated she was driving with her 8-year-old daughter in the car near the intersection with Lakeview Drive when the vehicle behind her — driven by Ingersoll — began following closely and driving erratically, the report states.
The victim told police that she could see Ingersoll shouting profanities and flipping her the middle finger in her rearview mirror, and when Ingersoll drove past her, he allegedly called her a "f---ing n----r,” according to the complaint. When the victim pulled over to call the police, she said Ingersoll turned around, drove to the parking lot, and continued to hurl racial slurs at her, police said.
While officers were speaking to the victim, police were able to locate Ingersoll’s vehicle and initiate a traffic stop, the report states. Ingersoll allegedly admitted to tailgating the victim, but he denied exchanging any words with the victim. Investigators would later receive an audio copy of the victim’s 911 call, in which Ingersoll can be heard yelling and calling the victim a "n----r.” police said.
See also:
Horsham Woman Accused of Killing Son will Use Insanity Defense in February Trial
Attorney Considering Insanity Defense for Horsham Mother Accused of Killing Son
Judge Orders Mental Health Evaluation for Horsham Mother Accused of Killing Son
Mother Accused of Killing Son in Horsham was Suffering from Mental Illness, Attorney Says
Horsham Mother Charged with Murder in Death of 11-Year-Old Son
