A Schuylkill County man is being charged after an alleged road rage incident on Route 61 back in October.
State Police-Frackville say the victim of this alleged incident came to the barracks on Oct. 12 at about 4 p.m. to report that he’d just been assaulted.
He said that while driving north on Route 61 in New Castle Township, a red Ford Taurus was traveling behind him in a careless manner. The red car then cut in front of him and sped off.
A short time later, the victim said the red Taurus was stopped partially in the left lane of Route 61 near the construction site in Blythe Township.
The driver of the red Taurus – later identified as Robert Klipola, 51, of Schuylkill Haven, exited his vehicle and approached the victim’s vehicle. The victim reportedly told police that Klipola grabbed the driver’s side window visor on his vehicle in a way to prevent him from exiting his vehicle.
The victim said he was eventually able to exit the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued. During the physical altercation, the victim alleges that Klipola hit him in the face.
Klipola then fled the scene, the victim told police.
The next day, police say they spoke with Klipola by phone. He reportedly admitted to being involved in the incident as described by the victim. However, he denied striking the man in the face. He did admit, police say, to attempting to hit him in the groin.
Police are charging Klipola with misdemeanor counts of simple assault and criminal mischief along with summary counts of harassment and disorderly conduct. A preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.
READER TIP: Thanks to one alert reader, we were reminded that Klipola was accused of attacking another motorist with a hatchet in 2021 in Lehigh County. Court records showed he served 18 months probation for his actions in that incident. See the story here.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...