by Winooski, VT – A routine evening commute turned into a terrifying ordeal for a Vermont driver after a road rage incident left him with severe eye injuries, police report. The victim, a man in his mid-40s, nearly had his eyesight permanently damaged when an allegedly enraged driver, Aaron Williams, 44, attacked him after being prevented from passing on Malletts Bay Avenue.
Officials say the confrontation highlights the dangers of road rage escalating into violent and life-threatening attacks.
The Incident
According to the Winooski Police Department, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when Williams began tailgating the victim. When the driver refused to let him pass, Williams allegedly surged ahead, slammed on his brakes, and forced both vehicles to stop.
Police report that the altercation escalated quickly: Williams got out of his car and approached the victim. In a brutal attack described as “extraordinary,” Williams allegedly drove his thumbs into the victim’s eye sockets and continued striking him. The victim reported hearing a pop and feeling extreme pain, prompting emergency medical attention.
Court documents and dash camera footage show Williams confronting the victim, though the eye-gouging itself occurred off-camera. The attack was reportedly witnessed by at least two bystanders, who have provided statements to investigators.
Victim’s Condition and Recovery
The victim was rushed to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors confirmed he is expected to regain vision in one eye, but the other may be permanently damaged.
Ronnie Bushaway Sr., the victim’s father, told local outlets that his son’s recovery will be “long,” and his career as a tractor-trailer driver could be at risk, as maintaining his CDL license is essential for work.
“He was active in his community,” Bushaway said. “All the neighbors love him. This was an unprovoked attack on a stranger.” The victim’s wife has reportedly remained by his side throughout his hospitalization.
Suspect and Charges
According to Law & Crime, Williams appeared in court last Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces felony counts of aggravated assault and maiming, the latter carrying a potential life sentence if convicted.
Deputy State’s Attorney Susan Hardin called the incident an “egregious offense” and noted the extraordinary nature of the attack. The court has scheduled a bail hearing in the coming weeks.
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Community Reaction
Local residents and witnesses expressed shock at the severity of the incident. Cathryn Blanchard, who witnessed the aftermath, told WPTZ, “He couldn’t talk much; blood was just pouring from his nose.”
Other community members emphasized the dangers of escalating road rage. Harold Johnson, a nearby resident, remarked, “This isn’t just a traffic dispute—it’s life-threatening behavior. People need to understand the risks of letting anger take over while driving.”
Road Rage and Legal Implications
Vermont authorities stress that incidents like this, while rare, are reminders of the serious consequences of road rage. Aggravated assault and maiming charges carry significant penalties, and maiming, in particular, is considered a life felony.
Police recommend that drivers avoid confrontations, stay calm, and report aggressive drivers to law enforcement rather than engaging directly.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Stay Calm: Avoid reacting to tailgating or aggressive maneuvers.
- Do Not Engage: Never exit your vehicle to confront another driver.
- Call Authorities: Report aggressive drivers or dangerous road behavior to local police.
- Dash Cameras: Consider installing a dash cam to document incidents.
While road rage can sometimes seem minor, Vermont’s latest violent episode shows how quickly disputes can escalate into life-threatening attacks.
This terrifying Winooski road rage incident is a reminder of the real dangers on Vermont roads. If you have thoughts or safety tips to share about driving or road rage, comment below at ibwhsmag.com.
