(Chatham, Va.) — A man charged in a road rage murder in Pittsylvania County took the stand Thursday, telling a Chatham jury he feared for his own life when he shot and killed 27-year-old Jacob Steele Robertson outside the Circle K gas station on U.S. 29 in Blairs.

James Rowland Hooper, 46, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Lynchburg man took the stand during the second day of his trial and claimed he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Robertson on Jan. 8, 2019.

Hooper said he was driving on 29 around noon when a car swerved into his lane and forced him to drive onto the shoulder of the road. He said he pulled into the Circle K lot with his wife and was met by a gun-wielding Robertson. Hooper said when Roberston pointed the gun at him, he pulled his own pistol and fired twice. Robertson was struck in the heart and died.

Prosecutors say Hooper was the one who ran Robertson off the road. They say Robertson had a gun but never removed it from a holster.

The case is expected to go to the jury Friday.