'Impatient' Driver Pepper-Sprays Man Over Route 9 Confrontation In Ocean County

LAKEWOOD, NJ — An Ocean County man was treated at a hospital on Monday after he was sprayed with pepper spray by what he said was an "impatient driver," Lakewood police said.

A 26-year-old Bayville man told police he was stopped at the intersection of River Avenue — also known as Route 9 — and Central Avenue, about 2:15 p.m. Monday.

The Bayville man told police that when he stopped, he stayed stopped in the road to prevent what he described as an impatient driver from passing him, Staffordsmith said.

The man told police the impatient driver got out and sprayed the victim through his open window, Staffordsmith said. The unidentified suspect then fled before police arrived.

Lakewood EMS was treating the man when police responded to the disorderly person call and the victim was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

Staffordsmith said it was not known why the Bayville man refused to allow the other driver to pass him.

The incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer William Cuzco at 732-363-0200.