Newark, New Jersey – A 52-year-old man was arrested after allegedly pepper spraying another driver during a dispute at a Newark convenience store Friday afternoon.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded around 12:30 p.m. to the Wawa located at 274 East Chestnut Hill Road for reports of an assault.
Investigators said two drivers became involved in a verbal altercation after one accused the other of crashing into his vehicle. During the argument, Aldo Funari II, of Carneys Point Township, New Jersey, allegedly sprayed the other driver in the eyes with pepper spray.
Police said the victim, a 69-year-old Newark man, was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and later released.
Funari was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 6. According to state police, he was charged with second-degree assault, a felony offense. Court records show he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $2,500 unsecured bond.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are pending.
The incident temporarily drew police activity to the busy retail corridor, an area frequently visited by commuters and service workers during midday hours.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Delaware State Police.
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