Article content continued

LIVE on #Periscope: Update - Investigation on Road rage, mischief, assault, rollover and fire occurrence https://t.co/6OsqqSd6RH — Sgt Kerry Schmidt (@OPP_HSD) September 23, 2016

Both the vehicle and the motorcycles exited the highway at Dixie Road and stopped at the end of the ramp. The passenger in the car, a woman, got out of the car to confront the motorcyclists and was assaulted by one of them, ending up on the ground. During the assault, the other motorcyclists continued to damage the Volkswagen Golf and the man drove away, leaving the woman on the ground.

“It was probably for his personal safety,” Schmidt said. “I think he was terrified. He was getting swarmed and was trying to get away.”

The man was being followed by the motorcyclists when he reached Aerowood Drive and he failed to follow a curve in the road. The car hit a retaining wall, flipped over, and erupted into flames. With the help of witnesses, the man was able to get out of the car, Schmidt said.

Police charged the 22-year-old man, identified as Andrei Sisu, with possession of drugs and dangerous driving, driving under suspension, and violating novice driver restrictions. Sisu was in hospital recovering from head injuries and a fractured shoulder before appearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton for a bail hearing Friday. The woman, who was later picked up by Peel Regional Police, is not currently facing any charges, Schmidt said.

Police still haven’t been able to track down the motorcyclists and are actively looking for witnesses.

As a result of the incident, Schmidt discouraged drivers from “taking the law into their own hands,” saying the OPP does not want to see “vigilantism on the highways.”

“In this case it ended very badly, but it could’ve been deadly,” he said.

• Email: vferreira@nationalpost.com | Twitter: