MADISON, Wisconsin — A routine morning commute turned violent when a man responded to a car honk by trapping a 63-year-old woman’s arm in her own car door — and kept pushing even after she used pepper spray on him.
The attack happened around 9:50 a.m. Tuesday near North Sherman Avenue and Northport Drive on the north side of Madison, according to police.
It started with a honk
Vang Yang, 33, became furious after the woman honked her horn at him in traffic.
When both vehicles stopped at a nearby traffic light, Yang got out of his car and began screaming at her.
Feeling threatened, the woman pulled out pepper spray and used it directly on him to get him to back away.
It did not stop him.
He pinned her arm and pushed harder
As she shifted her body to drive away, Yang grabbed the car door and slammed it shut on her arm, trapping it inside, police said.
He then continued pushing the door closed while her arm remained pinned between the door and the frame.
The woman endured the attack until she was finally able to break free.
She drove straight to her workplace and called police from there.
Yang did not flee. He stayed at the scene and was taken into custody.
Charges and court date
Dane County court records show Yang has been charged with felony battery to an elderly person or at-risk adult and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
These are serious charges. Felony battery targeting an elderly or at-risk adult carries significantly heavier penalties than standard battery under Wisconsin law.
Yang was released from Dane County Jail on Thursday after pleading not guilty to both charges.
His next court appearance is scheduled for August 26.
The woman’s identity has not been publicly released. Police have not stated whether she sustained any lasting injury to her arm during the attack.
Have you witnessed a road rage incident in your area that felt dangerous or out of control? Share your experience in the comments — your story could be a warning for someone else.