The road rage attack took place on the side of a road in Spanaway.
By the end of it, the victim suffered two fractured eye sockets, a broken nose, broken jaw and multiple other facial fractures. He is scheduled for surgery today.
Pierce County sheriff’s detectives are looking for the man who pummeled the other driver during the incident Monday.
The victim was driving in the 17900 block of Pacific Avenue East about 4:10 p.m. when, thinking the driver behind him was being aggressive, tapped his brakes a few times, the department said.
The victim then pulled over to the side of the road, followed by the other driver.
Michael Howard was pulling out of the Brown Cow latte stand when he saw the cars stopped. He said he thought the men were friends until one began punching the other, who had his arms raised and was trying to apologize.
“When he got within arm’s reach, (the second driver) sucker punched him,” Howard said Thursday.
Howard said the second driver then got on one knee, grabbed the victim’s hair and began pounding his face into the ground. He was about to land his fourth punch when Howard leaned heavily on the horn.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a look of hate, and I had a tour in Vietnam,” Howard said.
The second driver tried to get Howard out of the car but he stayed inside. When Howard saw the man was about to drive away, he said he reached for his pocketknife and went to cut the man’s back tires so he couldn’t flee.
Howard said the driver kicked him in the face and punched him twice before driving away.
The driver was described as black, in his 20s, about 5 feet 8 with a slender build. He was wearing a green and brown fleece coat. His car was a dark green or gray sedan, possibly a Chevrolet or Ford.
Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charging of the driver. Tipsters can call 253-591-5959.
Howard said he is offering a $500 reward for the man’s arrest.
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
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