State Police: 2 arrested after Litchfield road rage incident

Two men are facing assault and other charges after State Police say they were involved in a road rage incident on Route 8 in Litchfield.

According to state police, Howard Vazquez, 48, of Torrington, and Jordan Millette, 25, of Waterbury were arrested after the May 3 incident.

State police say they received a call a little after noon that day about a disturbance near Exit 41 on Route 8 north. The caller reported that an altercation had taken place in the middle of the highway involving the driver of a Ford Explorer, who had allegedly pepper sprayed a person in another vehicle, according to state police.

Troopers spotted the SUV and conducted a traffic stop, identifying Vazquez as the driver. He was detained in handcuffs during the investigation, state police said.

Vazquez told troopers that he was driving on Route 8 when he observed another vehicle driving erratically. Vazquez said he turned on his hazard lights and drove alongside the vehicle, yelling for the operator to slow down, according to state police. He further explained that in response, a passenger in the vehicle, later identified as Millette, threw water at him, state police said.

Vazquez explained that he next pulled into the left lane and stopped and exited his vehicle, at which time he was confronted by Millette, according to state police. Millette struck him in the face, so he pepper sprayed the man, Vazquez said, according to state police. State police next spoke with Millette and the person driving the other vehicle, who said that Vazquez has been driving erratically and had prevented them from passing him. He admitted to throwing water at Vazquez during those interactions, state police said.

However, they said that Vazquez approached their vehicle and used the pepper spray first, before Millette attempted to hit him, according to state police.

Vazquez was charged with second-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace, and reckless driving. Millette, who was a passenger at the time, was charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace, state police said.