North Shore Police say a road rage incident in Barry's Point Road on Valentines Day could have had serious consequences for the victim, had it not been for the intervention of two witnesses to the early morning attack.
Police say that about 0700 hours on Wednesday 14 February 2007, the victim was driving on the motorway in a northerly direction across the Harbour Bridge. The signage in place indicated some of the lanes were cordoned off.
During a merging manoeuvre, an offending vehicle cut into the travel lane of the victim causing sudden breaking and other evasive action to be taken. A number of other vehicles were affected by the dangerous driving behaviour.
Upon entering Barry's Point Road, the victim found himself behind the offender's car. The victim was forced to stop. He was then subjected to vigorous verbal abuse from the offender who had alighted from his vehicle.
The offender continued to swear and shout at the victim. The confrontation escalated when the offender pulled out a black and yellow baton approximately 50 cm long, and threatened to permanently maim the victim.
Police say it was at this time that a male and female came upon the scene. The solid build male Maori / Polynesian witness immediately approached the offender and told him to put the baton down. The offender rapidly departed.
There was potential for this road rage incident to result in serious or life threatening injury to the victim. The two witnesses will clearly remember this event. Their information will assist Police to advance this ongoing enquiry. Police hope both witnesses will come forward to enable the nature of this incident to be determined. The incident left the victim shaken by his ordeal.
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
North Shore / Waitakere / Rodney Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz