'Road rager' threatened motorist with bat

Monday 24 September 2018

A van driver threatened another motorist with a baseball bat outside a town pub in an apparent fit of rush hour road rage leading to an arrest on Friday.

The alleged aggressor – described as “middle-aged” and wearing a red t-shirt – had been stopped at the Parade traffic lights opposite Kitty O’Shea’s pub around 17:55 when he got out of his white Volkswagen Transporter van.

Carrying a baseball bat, Police say the man approached a car two vehicles behind, leading to what they described as a ‘face off’ between the two men in the middle of the road. 

“The confrontation was heated and verbal insults were exchanged. The man with the bat was seen to wave it in the direction of the other male on several occasions,” Police reported.

Pictured: The confrontation happened at the traffic lights by Kitty O’Sheas pub on the Parade. 

A woman accompanying the bat wielder then intervened to separate the rowing pair. 

Police said a man was later arrested and bailed in relation to the altercation.

They are now seeking more information on the incident, and are especially looking to speak with members of the public who may have filmed it on their mobile phones. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 612612 or make a report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 55511. Alternatively, they can use the Crimestoppers online form here.