An elderly East Bethel man was followed home by another driver on Friday and assaulted in what the Anoka County Sheriff's Office is calling a road-rage incident.
Elderly man assaulted in East Bethel in road rage incident
Anoka County authorities say driver was taunted by another motorist, followed home and badly beaten.
March 5, 2018 at 6:23PM
"The victim sustained multiple face fractures and several lacerations requiring many stitches," the Sheriff's Office said Sunday. Sgt. Derek Peters said authorities were not releasing the name of the victim right now, but a picture of the victim's face showing some of his injuries was posted on the department's Facebook page.
It said the incident began about 8 p.m. Friday in Ham Lake near Broadway and Lexington avenues and continued onto westbound Crosstown Boulevard.
The victim had to brake suddenly to avoid a traffic situation in front of him, the Sheriff's Office said.
"This angered the driver behind him who began to drive aggressively and taunt the victim on the roadway," the posting said. "The victim had thought the other driver backed off, and he went home."
However, when he got home, the victim said the driver arrived and beat him repeatedly in the face and head. The beating continued for about a minute, after which the suspect allegedly asked the victim if he had "had enough."
The Sheriff's Office described the suspect as a white male, about 35 years old, 6 foot or taller with short hair, possibly a buzzed style. He was reportedly wearing a long leather coat or jacket. The Sheriff's Office said it was quite likely that the suspect had an injured hand.
The suspect is believed to be driving a newer, dark silver or gray vehicle with LED headlights and a line of LED lights just below the headlights. The car could have been a Mustang or similar car.
"Anyone who would brutally attack a senior citizen in this manner is a clear danger to the public," the office said in its post.
Reached Sunday night, the man's family said they have been advised not to talk to the media about the case.
People with information about the case have been urged to call the Anoka County Sheriff's Office at 763-427-1212 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Sheriff's Office website.
Randy Furst • 612-673-4224
Twitter: @randyfurst
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