WINOOSKI, VT — A man heading home from work was left seriously injured after a road rage altercation turned violent, ending with another driver allegedly attempting to gouge out his eyes on a residential street, according to police.
The incident happened just after 8:30 p.m. on Malletts Bay Avenue, where 44-year-old Aaron Williams of Colchester allegedly tailgated a mid-40s driver, then attempted to pass him before escalating the encounter into a physical attack.
According to investigators, the confrontation began when the victim blocked Williams from passing. Williams reportedly surged ahead, slammed on his brakes, and forced both vehicles to stop. Dash cam footage from the victim’s car shows the moments leading up to the assault, including both men exiting their vehicles and approaching each other.
Police allege that Williams struck the victim and then drove his thumbs into the man’s eyes, causing what officials described as “maiming” injuries. The victim reportedly told investigators he felt intense pain and heard a pop before Williams allegedly followed up with additional blows. The most severe part of the assault was not captured on video, but was reportedly witnessed by at least two bystanders, according to police.
Williams has been charged with felony aggravated assault and felony maiming, which under Vermont law carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Court documents obtained by local station WCAX include screenshots from the victim’s dash camera that appear to show Williams exiting his vehicle just before the alleged attack. Police say Williams was identified shortly after the incident and taken into custody.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, suffered serious eye injuries. His father told reporters that his son came dangerously close to losing his vision.
The investigation is ongoing and Williams remains in custody pending court proceedings.