A Bayonne man was charged in a road rage incident where he struck a vehicle and a juvenile with his car yesterday afternoon, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Angel Rios, 39, of Bayonne, was charged with aggravated assault, assault by auto, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (MDMA), according to Police Capt. Eric Amato.
Rios was taken into custody at about 4:14 p.m. yesterday from the area of 51st Street and Avenue C. Officers patrolling the area of 52nd Street and Avenue C came across a woman, later identified as the victim, in a very agitated state.
As the officers spoke with her and a witness, they learned that just prior to their arrival, the victim was stopped at the red light as she travelled west on 52nd Street toward Avenue C. Behind her was a white Lexus who was repeatedly honking his horn at her.
The driver, later identified as Rios, continued to honk his horn relentlessly as he attempted to pass the victim’s vehicle. In doing so, Rios’ vehicle made contact with the rear bumper of the victim’s vehicle.
The victim then exited her vehicle and a verbal altercation ensued as Rios attempted to flee the scene.
During this time, Rios purposefully drove his vehicle directly at the victim, leaving her no choice but to run backwards and ultimately falling to the ground to avoid being struck. Rios then stopped his vehicle and continued to argue with the victim.
During the argument, the victim requested that her juvenile daughter, an occupant in her vehicle, phone the police. Her daughter then exited the vehicle as she attempted to call the police and while outside of the vehicle, was struck by Rios’ vehicle as he fled the scene.
As a result, the juvenile complained of pain to both of her legs. A search of the area led to officers locating Rios and his vehicle on the corner of 51st Street and Avenue C where he was taken into custody.
A search incident to his arrest led to the recovery of 22 pills of ecstasy (MDMA) in his possession. Additionally, the victim and her daughter refused medical attention, authorities said.
