Officers in Alameda arrested one driver and cited another earlier this week after a road rage confrontation escalated into threats and vandalism, police said.
The Alameda Police Department said that on Tuesday, a driver made verbal threats and another motorist brandished a knife near Broadway and Otis Drive. During the confrontation, the armed driver allegedly used the knife to deflate the other motorist’s tire before fleeing the scene.
Officers located the suspect and the vehicle within minutes in the 1600 block of Hibbard Street after receiving detailed information from callers, police said.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon and felony vandalism. The other driver was cited and released on suspicion of making criminal threats, police said.
Police said officers have responded to several road rage cases in recent weeks, including one last week in which a driver was assaulted and pepper-sprayed.
“Road rage can escalate quickly and lead to serious consequences,” the department said, urging drivers not to confront others during roadway disputes, to create distance, and contact police instead of engaging.