PELHAM, NH. — Police are searching for a woman after a road rage incident in Massachusetts escalated into a knife attack in the parking lot of a smoke shop in New Hampshire on Thursday morning, authorities announced Friday.
Officers were called to Ace Discount Cigarettes at 28 Bridge Street in Pelham, New Hampshire, just before 11:30 a.m., after receiving a report of a woman who was being attacked, according to the Pelham Police Department.
When officers arrived, they determined that a road rage incident had occurred in the nearby town of Dracut, Massachusetts, with both drivers pulling into the parking lot of Ace Discount Cigarettes.
The victim had entered the store, but when she came out, the suspect allegedly confronted her with a knife in hand, according to police.
Surveillance video shared by the police department showed the victim fleeing to safety and the suspect slashing the tires of the victim’s car and rummaged through her trunk. The suspect then reportedly fled south on Bridge Street.
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Police described the suspect as a Hispanic or Black woman in her 50s, and about 5 feet 3 inches tall. She was seen in the video wearing red leggings, a purple jacket, and a knitted hat.
Boston 25 spoke with the victim of the road rage incident 2 Friday evening. She wished to remain anonymous and did not want to go on camera.
She said she was driving from Dracut, Mass., to Ace Discount Cigarettes in Pelham, NH.
The victim claims the driver of the car in front of her took a sharp right turn without a signal. She said she beeped at the driver. Afterwards, the suspect allegedly started following the victim closely and into the parking lot of Ace Discount Cigarettes.
“I told her just move on, just leave,” said the victim. “I tried to ignore.”
She described, “I went out there. I went to go into my car, and she came behind me with a switchblade because I heard a click. She said the same thing about pay attention to who you’re beeping at.”
The victim was able to get away, run inside Ace Discount Cigarettes, and told the owner to call 911.
Pelham Police Lt. Adam Thistle said this is an ongoing investigation and they’re doing everything to apprehend the suspect.
“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “We don’t want to ever see this violence take place... We always tell people just to try and avoid those confrontations. If a minor traffic incident takes place, the best course of action is to let it go. If it’s serious enough, call local PD.”
The victim said she hasn’t been able to eat or sleep over the last two days.
She finished, “We’re all God’s children, and I forgive [the suspect]... I just want [the victim] to pay for what she did.”
The search is ongoing for the suspect, who police believe is traveling in a newer Kia Optima with Massachusetts plates.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Pelham police at 603-635-2411.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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