Woman Pulls Knife, Slashes Tire and Flees After Traffic Crash in Downtown Clearwater

A woman is charged with pulling a knife and puncturing the tire of another motorist following a traffic crash, then fleeing the scene, Clearwater Police said Tuesday.

The accident happened around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, as Angelo F. Yasparro, 42, was driving his Dodge pickup truck on Court Street, just west of Osceola Avenue, in downtown Clearwater. According to authorities, Yasparro decided to change lanes from the left turn only lane to the westbound through lane to go toward Clearwater Beach.

His truck collided with a Chevy Astro van driven by Theresa D. Rubalcava, 52, who became angered and exited her vehicle, according to police.

"Rubalcava pulled a knife from her pocket, punctured the driver's front tire of Yasparro's truck, and fled the scene," public safety spokesperson Elizabeth Watts said in a media release.

Rubalcava and her van were located later by Clearwater Police in the 200 block of Windward Passage. She was taken into custody and charged with leaving the scene of a crash without injuries, criminal mischief and possession of marijuana, all misdemeanors.

Yasparro was cited for an improper lane change and an expired tag (less than six months), authorities said.