Crime

Police identify 2 men accused in road rage assault of truck driver

Both men are facing assault and battery charges in connection with the incident.

March 26, 2024

1 minute to read

State police on Tuesday released the names of the two men who allegedly attacked a truck driver on I-495 in what authorities say was a case of road rage.

Javier Gutierrez Vargas, 23, of Dracut, and Juan Marin, 28, of Dracut, were both arrested Monday afternoon, according to state police. Both are being charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count of disorderly conduct.

Troopers responded to the report of the altercation in the breakdown lane of I-495 South in Bolton just before 2 p.m. on Monday, police said. The initial investigation indicated the driver of a tractor trailer was assaulted by two men, later identified as Vargas and Marin, who were driving a Volkswagen hatchback, police said.

During the alleged altercation, the truck driver, a 28-year-old Maine man, was struck with a hammer and suffered serious injuries, police said.

Vargas and Marin allegedly fled the scene of the altercation before troopers arrived but were later taken into custody in Marlborough after authorities issued an alert to be on the lookout for their vehicle and their descriptions. A third occupant in their vehicle, a woman, was not charged, police said.

State police said Vargas and Marin both posted bail and were expected to be arraigned in Clinton District Court.