Richmond Mounties are appealing for witnesses after an unsavoury, mid-morning road rage incident between two female drivers led to an apparent assault.
Around 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 the 58-year-old victim was driving her gray Toyota pick-up truck southbound on No. 2 Road and was about to turn left on Steveston Highway when another driver veered into her lane.
According to police, the woman in the pick-up had to take immediate evasive action to avoid a collision with the gray, four-door sedan and, as a result, honked at the offending driver.
However, moments later, after the pair had stopped at the intersection of Steveston Highway and No. 3 Road, the driver of the sedan allegedly jumped out of her car and started yelling several expletives at the woman in the pick-up.
The victim claims the other driver then reached into her vehicle through the driver’s side window and proceeded to drag her from the truck before physically assaulting her.
The pick-up driver was reportedly spat on as well by her attacker just before several good Samaritans intervened.
After they were separated, both drivers apparently just went their separate ways.
A few hours later, the victim, who didn’t require medical attention, contacted Richmond RCMP from her home to report the incident.
“We are attempting to understand this incident fully,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“It appears that this level of behaviour far exceeds what is acceptable or lawful. We are thankful for the decency of the good Samaritans who chose to stop and intervene.
“It would be extremely helpful in our investigation if the good Samaritans, or any other persons with knowledge of this incident, make contact with us immediately.
“Likewise, if drivers equipped with dash cameras could review their footage for us, we would be grateful.”
The alleged attacker is said to be around five feet, five inches tall, of slim build, with olive skin and medium-length black hair.
She was also wearing a light, long-sleeve sweater and blue jeans and, apparently, had a round face and was wearing large round sunglasses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Shawn Steinlauf at 604-278-1212, or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Meanwhile, Richmond RCMP are advising drivers to be careful when potential road rage incidents occur.
“Gather details and contact police. We strongly advise against putting yourself in harm’s way over a traffic altercation. Take a moment and let clear thinking prevail,” added Hwang.
