Nationwide — Ronnie Bushway II, a 46-year-old man from Winooski, Vermont, suffered severe eye injuries after a road rage assault that may force doctors to remove one or both of his eyes. Police say the attack was random and unprovoked.
The incident happened Tuesday night around 8:30 p.m. on Mallett’s Bay Avenue near Pine Street. Bushway told police he was driving when another car began tailgating him, according to WYMT.
Investigators say the driver, identified as 44-year-old Aaron Williams of Shelburne, pulled in front of Bushway and braked hard. After the vehicles made contact, Williams allegedly got out of his car and attacked.
Police say Williams punched Bushway several times and gouged his eyes before fleeing the scene. Bushway was left with injuries so severe that doctors may need to remove both of his eyes. He has not regained his vision since the assault.
Court documents reveal Bushway had dash camera footage of the attack, which he handed over to investigators. That evidence led police to Williams, who was arrested Thursday at his workplace in Burlington.
Williams appeared in court the same day and pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and maiming charges. He remains in custody without bail.
Authorities confirmed the assault appeared to be a random act, with no prior connection between the two men.
Moreover, Bushway’s family launched a GoFundMe to help with his expenses and recovery after the incident. It has so far raised over $28,000.