"After two vehicles “touched” while proceeding Monday evening on Route 3 in the town of Watertown, one motorist exited his auto waving a baseball bat at the second driver, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Kenneth R. Ridsdale, 31, of 15836 Route 12E, Dexter, who a decade ago began serving 20 months in prison, was charged Monday with second-degree menacing. He was released to await arraignment in Watertown Town Court.

His alleged threat at 6:35 p.m. was directed at Steven N. Chatigny, 22, Watertown, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said that after the two motorists’ vehicles “touched,” Mr. Ridsdale allegedly cut off the Chatigny auto, forcing it to a stop. Holding a baseball bat, Mr. Ridsdale threatened to hit Mr. Chatigny, deputies alleged.

A deputy reported finding no damage on either auto.

Mr. Ridsdale was convicted of attempted second-degree assault in January 2002 in Jefferson County Court, and was discharged from prison in October 2003, according to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website.

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