Police in Delaware County are searching for a 21-year-old woman accused of punching another driver during a road rage incident. Imeera Burnett faces assault charges after the alleged attack, which took place Monday evening near the 69th Street Transit Center.
According to authorities, the victim is physically unharmed but emotionally shaken by the encounter. “A vehicle cut in front of her, at which point she beeped her horn,” said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt. The incident reportedly occurred around 6:45 p.m. on West Chester Pike and Terminal Square.
After the victim honked, Burnett allegedly pulled her car over. “She got out of the driver’s side, walked up to the victim’s window, and punched her in the side of the face,” Bernhardt explained. A passenger in Burnett’s vehicle then pulled her back inside, and they drove off in a 2016 black Dodge Durango, reports ABC affiliate WPVI.
Police say the victim managed to photograph the license plate, which allowed investigators to identify Burnett as the suspect. Superintendent Bernhardt issued a warning to the accused. “Turn yourself in,” he said. “Your emotions got the best of you, and now you’re going to have to answer to the charges of assaulting another person.”
Authorities also emphasized the importance of safety in road rage situations. “You never know what’s in their head. I don’t know what kind of experience they just drove away from – I don’t want to be part of it,” said Calvin Bynum of West Philadelphia, reflecting growing concern over aggressive drivers.
Some drivers say encounters like this have made them rethink their behavior on the road. Shirl Sherwood, who has experienced road rage firsthand, said, “You know, I used to honk, until somebody chased me about a mile – and then I said no more.”
As road rage incidents continue to rise nationwide, police urge motorists to remain calm and avoid escalating conflicts, highlighting that even small actions, like honking, can lead to dangerous confrontations. Burnett remains at large as authorities investigate, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Delaware County police.
The case serves as a reminder of how quickly tempers can flare on the road and the serious consequences that can follow when emotions take control behind the wheel.