The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A road rage encounter in southeastern Wisconsin ended in serious injuries for an elderly driver and preliminary felony charges for a teenager.
In late October, near the Waukesha County Technical College campus, an 81-year-old man and a 19-year-old driver were both traveling east when tensions reportedly began to rise between the two vehicles. Investigators alleged the younger driver was following too closely, prompting the older man to slow down in response, which reportedly escalated the situation.
Authorities alleged the teenager then sped around the older driver, cutting him off. A short time later, both vehicles were stopped at the same traffic light, where the situation reportedly turned physical after the older man’s truck rolled forward and made contact with the rear of the younger driver’s car.
Both drivers pulled over to the side of the road and got out of their vehicles. What began as a verbal argument allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Police reported the older man pushed the teenager, who then reportedly responded by repeatedly punching the elderly man in the head and body. The alleged beating continued until bystanders intervened and called 911.
Callers reported that the older man was on the ground and being struck repeatedly. When the alleged assault ended, the 81-year-old was reportedly bleeding from his ear and eye and appeared to be suffering from a possible concussion.
The younger driver allegedly left the scene but later turned himself in to police with an attorney present. He reportedly told investigators that he felt threatened and claimed he acted out of fear after being pushed.
The teenager is facing preliminary charges of felony battery of an elderly person with intent to cause bodily harm. Prosecutors reported they are also reviewing a recorded jail phone call made after the arrest in which the teenager allegedly made statements suggesting anger and regret that the victim was not more seriously injured.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.