DSP News Release: Wednesday, March 04, 2009- Pennsylvania Man Charged with Slugging Female in Road Rage Incident, Left Victim Unconscious in Roadway

Location of Incident: Route 273 west of Red Mill Road in Newark, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Saturday, February 28, 2009, at approximately 11:53 a.m.

Suspect(s): Timothy Oelke, 56, of New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Resume: On Saturday, February 28^th, Troopers were called to investigate an assault which occurred on Route 273 in Newark.

This investigation revealed a 50-year-old female advised she was traveling on I-95 southbound, north of Route 273, when a BMW, driven by Timothy Oelke, allegedly almost ran her and another vehicle off of the roadway.   The victim maintained control of her vehicle and exited onto Route 273 westbound. 

The victim stopped at a red light on Route 273, west of Red Mill Road, and Oelke allegedly pulled up behind her. He exited his vehicle, walked up and kicked the victim’s car.  The victim got out of her vehicle to check the damage.  Without provocation, the suspect walked up to the victim and punched her in the face.  She apparently did not see it coming. The victim was knocked out and fell to the ground.  Oelke then got back into his car and fled the scene, leaving the victim unconscious on the ground. 

The victim was transported from the scene by EMS to Christiana Hospital. She was treated for a concussion and other minor injuries.

Witnesses to the incident provided Troopers with investigative leads which ultimately helped to identify Timothy Oelke as the suspect. 

On Wednesday, March 4^th, Oelke voluntarily turned himself into authorities at Troop 6 in Prices Corner.  He was formally charged with Assault 3^rd, Reckless Endangering and Criminal Mischief- all misdemeanors.  Bail was set at $4,500.00 unsecured and he was released from custody. 

Timothy Oelke