OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS — An Illinois man with a violent criminal history is in custody after police say he brutally assaulted a 73-year-old man with dementia during a road rage incident in the Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn, leaving the elderly victim with serious facial injuries and fearing for his life.
Authorities identified the suspect as D’Angelo Groce, 41, who has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Oak Lawn Police Department. The incident occurred in late November at a busy intersection near a gas station.
Traffic Dispute Turns Violent Near Gas Station
Joseph, 73, and his wife Deborah — who asked that their last name not be used — told investigators they were simply trying to merge into a right-turn lane when the confrontation began.
According to reports, a truck suddenly sped out of a nearby gas station, cut them off, and collided with their vehicle. Deborah said the driver, later identified as Groce, accelerated as she attempted to merge…