CANDIA, NH — Two men were arrested following a road rage incident June 22 that came to blows, with a flashlight and a construction tool, on the side of Route 101.

At about 4:17 p.m. Troopers assigned to the New Hampshire State Police Troop A barracks responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Route 101 westbound in Candia. While responding, Troopers were advised that the two male drivers were involved in a physical confrontation.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Ford Flex driven by Matthew Anderson, 40, of Manchester, was traveling on Route 101 westbound, and a 2001 Chevy S-10, driven by David Bell, 60, of Jaffrey, was also traveling in this same area.

The two drivers became involved in a road rage incident. As a result, both drivers signaled each other to pull over. Bell passed the vehicle being driven by Anderson in the left travel lane and then made an abrupt lane change in front of Anderson’s vehicle as they were both moving into the breakdown lane. As Bell made this lane change his vehicle struck Anderson’s vehicle.

Both men stopped their vehicles in the right breakdown lane and immediately exited their vehicles. Anderson exited his vehicle with a large Maglight-style flashlight in his hand. Anderson and Bell approached each other and started fighting. Anderson struck Bell with the flashlight in the head and groin area. The two men continued their physical altercation and eventually separated. Upon completion of the initial altercation Bell went to his vehicle and retrieved a construction tool known as an angle grinder. He approached Anderson again and struck him in the abdomen and head with the angle grinder.

Anderson sustained a laceration to his head during this second confrontation. He was transported to the Elliott Hospital by the Candia Fire Department. Bell sustained minor injuries to his head area in the initial confrontation and refused medical treatment at the scene.

Bell and Anderson were arrested at the scene. Both men will be charged with second-degree assault, reckless conduct, and disorderly conduct. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anderson was processed and bailed from the Elliott Hospital. He was treated and released for the injuries he sustained. Bell was transported to the Raymond Police Department where he was processed and bailed. Both men are due to appear in the Candia District Court on August 12, 2015 to answer to these charges.

The New Hampshire State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Candia Police Department, the Candia Fire Department, and the Raymond Police Department.

This incident remains under investigation by Trooper Harrison Walters and Trooper Kevin Devlin, both from New Hampshire State Police/Troop A. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to call Trooper Walters or Trooper Devlin at 603-223-8490.

You’re one click away! Sign up for our free eNewsletter and never miss another thing