New Brunswick

Man 'pepper-sprayed' in apparent road rage attack in Hanwell

RCMP are investigating after a 47-year-old man from Fredericton was assaulted with some type of bear or pepper spray in an apparent act of road rage.

RCMP seek help locating male suspect in assault that occurred after near collision on Trans-Canada Highway

RCMP are investigating after a 47-year-old man from Fredericton was assaulted with some type of bear or pepper spray in an apparent act of road rage.

RCMP say a man in his 20s pulled out a can of what is believed to be bear spray or pepper spray and sprayed another man in the face before speeding away. (CBC)
The attack occurred after a near collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near Hanwell on Tuesday, at about 1:20 p.m., said Cpl. Peter Stubbs.

Both motorists had pulled their vehicles over to the eastbound shoulder of the highway and when the victim got out to tell the other driver he planned to call police, he was sprayed in the face with what is believed to be bear spray or pepper spray, said Stubbs.

The other driver then fled the scene, continuing eastbound in his vehicle, he said.

The suspect is described as being Caucasian, in his 20s, about six feet tall, with red hair.  He spoke English and was wearing work coveralls. He was driving what's believed to be a Silver Honda Civic with no licence plates.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could help identify the suspect is asked to call the Keswick RCMP at 506-357-4300, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-22-TIPS (8477).