2 women charged in road rage incident on Route 128 in Danvers

DANVERS, Mass. — Two women have been charged in connection to a road rage incident caught on cellphone video along Route 128 in Danvers last week.

Police said the incident happened on the highway around 10:05 a.m. Friday on the southbound side just south of Exit 21.

“I don’t believe there was actual contact between vehicles, but she started banging on the car and then you saw the second operator get out and that’s the where the physical altercation took place," Lieutenant Mike Harvey said.

Video shows road rage incident involving drivers on Route 128 in Danvers

Police said the two women were lucky no one got hurt after the incident stopped traffic on 128. Two vehicles were involved in the incident, and no injuries were reported.

A 64-year-old woman from Beverly has been charged with assault and battery, and disorderly conduct. A 33-year-old woman from Gloucester has been charged with assault and battery on a person over 60, disorderly conduct, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, stopping on a state highway and parking, and assault.

"Obviously, this could have been a lot worse, and that goes without saying" Harvey said. "Unfortunately, back in the day, when people would beep and maybe do a hand gesture, those days are gone. Now, people aren't just doing that, they're pulling weapons."

Police said Saturday that both drivers had been identified and charges were being considered. Those charges were announced Monday afternoon.

One of the women told police that the other driver thought she had been cut off, though she said it was unintentional.

State Police urged drivers to never get out of their vehicles unnecessarily while on the highway.

"There are ways to settle disputes, it doesn't haven't to be in the middle of the highway," Harvey said.

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