The man with the hatchet, who is wanted in relation to a videotaped alleged road rage attack in Boston, has been recognized by authorities.
Andrew Oprian, 27, of Belmont, was arrested by the Boston Police Department on Wednesday on suspicion of assault with a dangerous weapon and deliberate and malicious destruction of property.
Oprian remains at large despite the warrant being acquired from Brighton District Court.
Just before 11:45 p.m. on Friday, May 16, the incident took place in the Brighton section of the city, near 1032 Commonwealth Avenue.
According to the police, the victim crashed because the suspect was pursuing her at a high pace. After reportedly assaulting the victim and damaging their vehicle, the suspect allegedly got out of his pickup truck brandishing a hatchet.
The guy repeatedly swings the hatchet, destroying the windows and windshield of a Toyota Prius, according to cellphone footage made public by Boston police on Sunday.
“As soon as he sticks his head out of the car and pulls his key out, some random dude from behind him starts swinging a hatchet at him,” Matt Silva, who witnessed the incident, reported.
According to Silva, Oprian seemed furious and unreasonably angry.
Investigators said the guy ran away on Babcock Street toward Brookline after the incident.
Boston police detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Oprian’s whereabouts to call them at 617-343-4256.
