2 Arrested After 'Road Rage' Incident In Westport: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A road rage incident between two drivers in Westport on Monday escalated to the point that one of them is accused of trying to slash the other with a box cutter, according to Westport police.

The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. near the intersection of Post Road East and Roseville Road.

"The complainant, Thomas Howes (age 62), admittedly reported that he was the instigator in the incident, and it began with him blowing his horn and following a vehicle in front with the intent to harass," wrote Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods in a statement. "The operator of the vehicle being followed was identified as Chrostopher O’Connor. Both vehicles pulled into a parking lot on Post Road East and assaulted each other."

Howes is alleged to have approached O’Connor and shoved him while yelling at him, according to Woods.

At that point, O'Connor is alleged to have pulled out a box cutter, while asking Howes if he wanted to fight, Woods said. Howes reported that he then went back to his vehicle, where O’Connor allegedly slashed at his jacket with the box cutter through an open window, which caused Howes' jacket and undershirt to rip.

Howes was not injured in the incident, and O’Connor left the area prior to police officers arriving.

Westport police contacted O'Connor, a 58-year-old Newtown resident, and he surrendered at police headquarters. He was arrested on charges of second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace, and first-degree criminal attempt at assaulting an elderly victim.

Howes, a Westport resident, was charged with breach of peace and following too close with intent to harass.

O'Connor was released after posting a $5,000 bond, and Howes was released on a promise to appear. Both are scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Jan. 27.