Louisville woman says motorcyclist followed her for miles before attacking her
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
A Louisville woman is calling for justice after she says a man followed her for miles and attacked her during a road-rage incident Wednesday.
Tenaya Stanford said she was driving with her 1-year-old daughter when a man on a motorcycle began aggressively following her. She said the man yelled at her, swerved toward her car and made obscene gestures.
Near 4700 Preston Highway, Stanford said the man got off his motorcycle, spit at her car and smashed the driver’s-side window. She said he then grabbed her by the hair, pulled her from the vehicle and beat her with a steering-wheel lock.
“I did nothing to him. I don’t know him,” Stanford said. “He was being hateful toward me, and of course I have to defend myself at the end of the day.”
On Friday, Metro Council members Betsy Ruhe and Tammy Hawkins joined Stanford and her family in calling for the man to turn himself in or for police to make an arrest.
“I can’t imagine the rage it would fill a grown man to think it’s OK to beat somebody up in the middle of the street,” Ruhe said. “It’s wrong.”
“I think at this point that they have been given the majority of all of the information that they need to question this guy and have him to be picked up,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins also urged community members to safely help people who may be in danger. She questioned why passing drivers did not stop during the alleged attack.
“Just make sure that person is OK,” Hawkins said. “We have to look out for one another.”
LMPD provided this statement:
“LMPD is actively investigating this incident. Officers responded, spoke with the reported victim, and completed a police report. The case was immediately assigned to a 6th Division detective, who has already followed up with the victim as part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators have obtained a partial license plate for the motorcycle and are working to identify the person involved. At this time, investigators have not positively identified that individual.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, has additional video, or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the anonymous LMPD Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or submit a tip through the online Crime Tip Portal. LMPD asks the public not to post or share unconfirmed names or identifying information online. Anyone with information that may help identify the person involved should provide it directly to law enforcement.
“Incidents involving aggressive driving can develop quickly and become dangerous. If you witness one, avoid confronting or following those involved. Move to a safe location and contact police.
“A vehicle description, license plate, direction of travel, or safely obtained video may be extremely helpful to investigators.”