BEAVERTON, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) – A man has been arrested following a shocking road rage incident in Beaverton, Oregon, that was captured on video and widely shared online.
Samir Helio Pazzoto-Filho, the driver of a Kia Carnival minivan, was taken into custody Monday on multiple charges, including first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Monday on Highway 26, between Highway 217 and Cedar Hills Boulevard. According to the Beaverton Police Department, a video recorded by a fellow commuter shows what appeared to be the culmination of a road rage conflict between Pazzoto-Filho and a motorcyclist.
The footage shows the motorcyclist making a gesture toward the minivan before the driver veers into the motorcycle, violently striking the rider and sending them flying off the road. The suspect fled the scene immediately, leaving the motorcyclist with serious injuries. The rider was transported to a nearby hospital.
Authorities tracked down Pazzoto-Filho thanks to a tip from someone who recognized the damaged Kia Carnival involved in the crash. The witness not only provided the suspect’s home address near Highway 26 but also photographed the vehicle showing crash damage.
Police located Pazzoto-Filho still driving the damaged vehicle, and he was subsequently arrested. His arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators also believe that Pazzoto-Filho had a pattern of reckless driving in the days leading up to the incident.
The Beaverton Police Department thanked the community for the tip and reminded drivers to stay calm and avoid escalating tensions on the road.
