AJ's vice mayor may face charges

FLORENCE, Ariz. - Pinal County investigators have requested aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges be filed against Apache Junction's vice mayor for a road rage incident last week.

Authorities say a vehicle driven by Vice Mayor R.E. Eck struck the back of a motorcycle last Friday in Apache Junction.

They say an argument ensued and Eck was punched in the face by the motorcycle's driver, identified as Eric Martinez.

Aurthorities say Eck responded by accelerating his car and ramming the motorcycle, knocking Martinez's wife off the back of the bike.

Eck and Martinez's wife were both taken to a Scottsdale hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that Eric Martinez has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault.

Authorities say a blood sample was drawn from Eck after the incident and sent to the state Department of Public Safety crime lab in Phoenix for processing and investigators will determine if additional charges need to be filed.