A Plano man who shot an Uber driver six times in a road rage incident has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, bringing justice to a horrific act of violence on Texas roads.
At a Glance
- Robert Crolley, 43, sentenced to 40 years for shooting Uber driver Guillermo Martinez six times
- Incident occurred on March 3, 2023, at a Plano intersection
- Martinez spent nearly four months in the hospital, including a month in a coma
- Crolley’s self-defense claim was rejected by the jury
- District Attorney Greg Willis emphasized the threat of road rage to public safety
Violent Road Rage Incident Shakes Plano Community
On March 3, 2023, a peaceful Plano intersection became the scene of a brutal assault that would change an innocent man’s life forever. Guillermo Martinez, an Uber driver simply doing his job, found himself the target of a senseless act of violence. Robert Crolley, 43, fired six shots at Martinez in what authorities described as a road rage incident, leaving the victim fighting for his life.
The severity of the attack was evident in Martinez’s harrowing experience. He spent nearly four months in the hospital, with a month of that time in a coma. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by ride-share drivers and the unpredictable nature of road rage.
Justice Served: Crolley’s Failed Defense and Sentencing
As the case unfolded, Crolley’s attempts to evade responsibility crumbled. Initially denying involvement, he later claimed self-defense, a strategy that ultimately failed to convince the jury. Eyewitness accounts and security camera footage solidified the case against him, leading to a conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The jury’s decision to sentence Crolley to 40 years in prison and impose a $4,000 fine reflects the gravity of his actions. Crolley’s prior convictions for grand larceny and simple assault and battery likely factored into the severity of his sentence, underscoring the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable.
A Community United Against Violence
The Plano Police Department expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to Crolley’s conviction. In a statement, they acknowledged the survivor’s ordeal and the importance of justice in the healing process: “We are grateful to the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for their dedicated work on this case. The survivor experienced significant pain and turmoil following the incident, and we hope the sentencing aids in their healing process. We also thank our media partners for their compassionate coverage and acknowledge the efforts of our department employees in the pursuit of justice.”
This case serves as a somber reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences of road rage. It highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention strategies to combat aggressive driving behaviors that put innocent lives at risk. As communities grapple with such incidents, the importance of maintaining composure on the road and resolving conflicts peacefully cannot be overstated.
For Martinez, the road to recovery continues. While grateful to have survived, he faces the challenge of rebuilding his life in the aftermath of this traumatic event. His experience stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the critical importance of safe, responsible driving.
