Driver T-Bones Car During Rte. 66 Road Rage Incident
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Police say a man intentionally hit another vehicle twice during a road rage incident.
James Shaffer, 33, told police he had been arguing with his girlfriend before going for a drive on Route 66 in Hempfield.
It was on that drive that the flashing of some high beams and what he calls a dirty look from another driver set him off on a violent rampage.
Shaffer initially pulled over to allow the victim to pass him, but then rear ended the victim.
The victim who was driving a Subaru pulled over, but Shaffer who was driving a Hyundai continued on.
The victim followed Shaffer to a church parking lot where he pulled off. Shaffer then got out of his car and began kicking and beating on the victim's car.
The victim was able to put his car in reverse and get away until Shaffer got back into his car and T-boned the victim's car at a high rate of speed.
"After the collision, Mr. Shaffer exited his vehicle, went around to the driver's side of the victim's vehicle," State Trooper Steve Limani said.
"The victim was still in his vehicle, he was hurt from the collision that just took place," he continued. "Mr. Shaffer then proceeded to start to physically attack and punch the victim as he was in his vehicle."
A woman living nearby heard the commotion and awakened her husband who went outside in his pajamas to intervene.
Police showed up and took Shaffer into custody.
"It's mind numbing that someone would actually commit such an act like that, so you could only imagine where this was going," Limani said.
The victim was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. James Shaffer is facing aggravated assault and numerous related charges.
He is in jail unable to post $25,000 bond.
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