Man Wanted For Punching, Dragging Woman After I-83 Crash
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Police are using a sketch and a description to search for the man behind a violent assault. He punched and threatened a woman on the side of a busy highway all because of a fender bender.
Mike Hellgren has the latest on the manhunt.
They say the suspect savagely beat a woman after a fender bender on I-83 around 10 p.m. last Friday night after asking her not to call police to report the accident.
So what should you do in a similar situation?
"You need to look around before you get out of your car. First of all, is it too dark to be getting out of your car? Are you on a busy highway? Maybe call 911 immediately without any hesitation," said Elena Russo, Maryland State Police.
This case unfolded near the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line at exit 33. After both got out of their cars, the man even offered the woman cash not to call police. When she dialed 911, he grabbed her phone and punched her.
Police say she pleaded for her life as he dragged her toward the tree line, threatening her life the entire time.
She got free and ran across the lanes begging for help and was finally able to get to her car and escape.
"Unfortunately, you hear about these road rages incidents all the time. I always find it amazing how angry people get when driving," said Jonah Novik, of Baltimore.
"I instructed my 30-year-old daughter not to get out of her vehicle if she were in an accident. To call the police immediately," said Frank Kaufman Jr., of Baltimore County.
"The only fender bender I've been in, they call police and they exchange information for you," said Jascy Jones, of Eastern Shore.
The man was driving a Jeep Wrangler with Pennsylvania plates.
Both Maryland and Pennsylvania State Police are part of the manhunt to find him.
"There's no reason not to stay in your car and call 911 without any hesitation," Russo said. "Of course, your personal safety should be No. 1."
Police say if you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, always call them and they'll help you sort it out.
WJZ also asked police whether they thought the story was a hoax. Police say they have no reason not to believe the woman's account of events.
State police are looking for any tips. If you saw anything that night, call them. You can remain anonymous.
