Police have urged local motorists to be patient with visiting drivers after a road-rage assault at Anglesea.
A male in his 40s allegedly threatened to kill a “man not local to the area” before punching his face several times during the incident in a shopping centre car park on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old male victim suffered bruising and a split lip, said Anglesea Police Sergeant Craig Stanton.
“He was very shaken up. It was just out of the blue,” Sgt Stanton said.
“We’ve got an idea he (the alleged offender) is a local to the Surf Coast, just from people saying they’ve seen his vehicle before.”
Sgt Stanton appealed for local drivers to keep their cool with visitor motorists.
“Unfortunately, with the traffic the way it is we’re just asking people to be patient.
“During the holiday period we get a lot on the road and some aren’t as familiar with the area as the locals.
“We’re asking the locals to be patient with tourists so this type of thing doesn’t happen again.”
Investigating police alleged the offender pulled a blue Ford ute in front of the victim’s vehicle before opening his driver’s door and launching the assault.
“The offender told the victim words similar to ‘I’m gonna kill you’ and has then proceeded to punch the victim three to four times to the face.”
The alleged offender then returned to his ute and drove away, the investigators said.
Police have posted on social media images of the alleged offender and his vehicle with a call for help to identify him.
Police described the man as Caucasian, of medium to solid build, about 183cm and with blonde or sandy-coloured hair.
Police urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference number 190029254, or to phone Anglesea Police Station on 5263 3468.
