A road rage incident that occurred last week (January 10) has Cochrane RCMP on the hunt for a male suspect.

Constable Kary Moore with Cochrane RCMP, states a black 2018 GMC Sierra that was stopped at the intersection of 1st Steet West waiting to turn right onto 5th Avenue was alerted by another driver across the same intersection that they had their brights on by the driver flashing his lights at the GMC. "The GMC Sierra flashed her bright lights back once to show that she did not, in fact, have her bright lights on. The male driver of the suspect vehicle (which was the second vehicle) then started to wave his arms and make hand gestures towards the female driver of the black GMC."

What should have stopped there and saw both drivers continue on their own way, unfortunately, escalated quickly, says Constable Moore. "The suspect vehicle then turned left onto 5th Avenue, in front of the GMC turning right and started to head southbound on 5th Avenue. Once both vehicles had crossed the train tracks, the suspect vehicle then slammed on his brakes, causing a slow-speed, rear-end collision. Both drivers then exited their vehicles with the male driver of the suspect vehicle  coming back to the female driver, where he began to yell at her and punch and kick her."

Although the female driver did sustain minor bruises and scratches in the incident she was not transported to the hospital.

Constable Moore shares an RCMP composite sketch artist was able to create a picture of the suspect who is described as a male in his mid-40s with a small, slender build, thinning blonde hair, and blonde mustache or goatee and believed to be driving a red or black SUV with minor damage to the rear end.

Due to the timing and location of the event, RCMP is hopeful someone may have witnessed the incident and will come forward. "RCMP is asking if anyone was in the area of 5th Ave and Glenbow Drive in Cochrane on January 10th, 2019 at approximately 8 p.m. to please contact the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or come into the detachment."

Incidents like this are not common, shares Moore, but does remind motorists to not approach other drivers if a conflict arises. "It can easily escalate, and if it does, we suggest don't get out of your vehicle and don't engage because you don't know who is in that other vehicle or if they have a weapon. We suggest, if you can, drive away and call 911 right away or attend the police station, but keeping yourself safe is number one."

If you recognize the suspect from the composite sketch call the Cochrane detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.