Road Rage on I-89

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Careless & Negligent Operation, Simple Assault and Child Endangerment

CASE #: 12A101344
TROOPER: Sgt. Gregory Campbell          STATION: VSP - Williston
CONTACT#: 878-7111

DATE/TIME: 04-16-12  at 1118 hours
LOCATION: I-89 North at Exit 14 (South Burlington) and the Exit 15 Northbound    Off-Ramp (Winooski).
VIOLATION: Careless & Negligent Operation, Simple Assault and Child Endangerment

ACCUSED: BABCOCK, Michael
AGE:45
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Winooski, VT

VICTIM: PHELPS, James
AGE: 66
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Huntington, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 04-16-12 at 1118 hours the Vermont State Police initiated an investigation into a road-rage incident that occurred on I-89 North in South Burlington and then continued on the I-89 Northbound Off-Ramp at Exit 15 into Winooski.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident began on I-89 North near Exit 14 after words and gestures were exchanged between Babcock, Phelps and Phelps' passenger.  As a result of this interaction Babcock stopped his vehicle in the passing lane of I-89 North, which ultimately blocked Phelps' vehicle from continuing.  Babcock then exited his vehicle and confronted Phelps.  During this confrontation Phelps was struck several times.

Phelps and his passengers were able to leave the scene and exited I-89 North at Exit 15.  While stopped at the traffic light (at the intersection of the off-ramp and Route 15) Babcock approached Phelps' vehicle again and a second physical confrontation ensued.  During this encounter Phelps was struck several more times.  NOTE: At the time of these incidents Babcock had his two 4 year-old children in his vehicle.

On 04-17-12 Babcock was issued a citation to appear in Chittenden Superior Court.

Anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents is asked to contact Sgt. Greg Campbell at the VSP Barracks in Williston: 878-7111.

[Travis]

About 12 years ago I witnessed a road rage incident on I89. I was driving along at my usual speed and had three cars fly past me and as soon as the first two got in front of me one of them switched lanes so they were side by side. I could see them yelling and gesturing at each other. The other car was stuck behind them too. This went on for a few miles with them swerving, speeding up, slowing down, and yelling and gesturing. Out of nowhere I heard sirens. All of us pulled over and I saw a girl that looked like a 100lb college student jump out of the 3rd car that was stuck behind the other two and start yelling at them both to get out of the cars while flashing her badge and had her hand on her gun. That was priceless!

I've been on the receiving end of it before too. I had a guy follow me around and pull a knife on me when I had my youngest daughter in the car.

[mkr]

What a sad situation. That poor child and the victims. I have had to deal with this in the past.  As soon as the guy ran me off the into the emergency lane so he could pass in front of me before construction one lane started.

I immediately called 911.... when out of construction he slowed down for me to pass only to speed up and cut me off again.  I was on the phone with 911 the whole time. Mind you I had done nothing to this guy, he was just pissed off and wanted someone to take it out on. Best thing is to ignore them, slow down, let them drive away, and call 911.  VSP met him as he got off the St. Albans exit   I also got a follow up call from VSP.  Karma struck as it was a VSP officer I had assisted with a case while on-call the week before!