Police: Stamford road rage incident leaves 71-year-old in critical condition

Emmanuel Matias is charged with second-degree assault of an elderly person. But during the 25-year-old's arraignment Thursday, the prosecutor said that may be upgraded due to the victim's serious injuries.

"The state anticipates that this would likely result in homicide charges shortly," said Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Maureen Ornousky.

Police arrested Matias after responding to Cold Spring Road near the Long Ridge Road intersection around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"We received numerous calls of a fight in progress. When officers got there, they found a 71-year-old victim unconscious on the ground," said Stamford Police Sgt. William Brevard.

Police say the violence appears to be the result of a minor traffic accident between Matias, who was in the car, and the victim, who was in the truck. The car's bumper was visibly damaged.

Police say witnesses reported Matias and a passenger then got out of the car to yell at the driver and bang on the truck's door, which he eventually opened.

"They got into an argument and during the course of that argument, the suspect punched the victim causing him to fall to the ground and he went unconscious," said Brevard.

Police say he hit his head when he fell.

First responders rushed him to Stamford Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Police say road rage incidents like this aren't common. They advise remaining calm and staying in your car if a situation develops.

"If someone is being combative and confronts you, sit in the car and immediately call 911," said Brevard.

The judge kept Matias' bond at $250,000 despite arguments to lower it. He said he had "grave concerns" about this happening on city streets.

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