ANDERSON — Almost 3 weeks after a Williamston woman was accused of road rage in Anderson, a public defender won dismissal of the charge after the arresting officer was reportedly too sick to be in court.

Judy Beck, 42, of Pine Trail Road stood silently as assistant public defender Scott Thomason told Anderson Municipal Court Judge Hugh Welborn that the accused, a witness and Thomason were prepared for trial even though the officer reportedly called in sick.

And Thomason argued that the officer has not provided discovery materials requested Oct. 31. Under the legal statute, the officer has 30 days to comply.

Welborn agreed to a “conditional dismissal” that would give the officer 10 days to make a motion that would return the case to the court calendar.

On Oct. 27, Beck, who allegedly pulled a knife when a vehicle blocked her path near downtown Anderson, was charged with being armed to the terror of the public.

On Oct 28, Beck was allowed to sign a $1,092.50 bond to consult with an attorney prior to Thursday's trail date.

According to a police report, Beck called 911 around 5:40 p.m. Oct. 27 from King and I streets in Anderson. Telling police that a vehicle driven by Janet Chapman, 44, was blocking her path on King Street, Beck blew her horn and entered into an argument when Chapman got out of her vehicle, according to the report.

When Chapman's children exited the car and joined the argument, Beck allegedly pulled a knife and threatened to use it, Officer Jon Wilkinson wrote in the report.

Chapman told Wilkinson that she opened her door to motion for Beck to go around when Beck “began yelling at her and calling her names,” Wilkinson wrote in the report.

Beck has argued that she was the victim of threats.