Road Rage Incident Leads to Crash and Violent Altercation in St. Clair County
Authorities Urge Caution After Violent Road Rage Incident
St. Clair County, IL – March 20, 2025 – What started as an aggressive driving dispute turned into a violent traffic collision and physical altercation, leaving multiple people injured, including a 74-year-old woman who sustained serious injuries. Authorities are urging drivers to remain calm on the road and avoid escalating conflicts after an incident that quickly spiraled out of control.
The Incident: A Heated Road Rage Escalation
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2025, officers responded to reports of a traffic crash near North Illinois Street and Market Place involving a silver Hyundai Elantra and a blue BMW X3. Upon arrival, police found a physical altercation in progress, prompting them to immediately intervene and separate the involved individuals.
Initial investigations, including witness statements and interviews, revealed that the crash was the result of an ongoing road rage incident that lasted several miles. Witnesses described seeing both vehicles engage in reckless behaviors, including:
- Throwing objects between vehicles
- Unsafe passing maneuvers
- Aggressive tailgating and brake-checking
The altercation escalated further after the crash, leading to physical violence between the drivers.
Violence at the Scene
Following the collision, the driver of the Hyundai Elantra, identified as Tamara M. Hawkins (39), exited her vehicle and aggressively approached the driver’s side of the BMW. Witnesses reported that Hawkins:
- Opened the driver’s door
- Attempted to forcibly remove the driver
- Repeatedly struck the driver in the face and head
A 74-year-old female passenger inside the BMW attempted to intervene, trying to stop Hawkins from attacking the driver. However, Hawkins then physically assaulted the elderly woman, resulting in significant injuries to her mouth, including the loss of multiple teeth.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene and transported the elderly victim to a local hospital for treatment. Both Hawkins and the BMW’s driver were also evaluated at the hospital for minor injuries, including abrasions and scratches.
Legal Action and Charges
Following a detailed investigation, detectives presented the case to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric’s Office on March 21, 2025. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors issued the following felony charges against Tamara M. Hawkins:
- Unlawful Vehicular Invasion (Class 1 Felony) – 25CF0056001
- Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm to Victim Aged 60+ (Class 2 Felony) – 25CF0056002
- Aggravated Battery in a Public Place (Class 3 Felony) – 25CF0056003
Despite the severity of the charges, a request to detain Hawkins was denied, and she was released under the pre-trial release provisions of the Safe-T Act.
Authorities Issue Road Safety Warning
Following this disturbing incident, law enforcement officials are urging all motorists to practice safe and responsible driving habits to prevent dangerous confrontations on the road.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized the importance of de-escalation in road rage situations, advising drivers to:
✔ Remain calm and avoid retaliatory behaviors like tailgating or brake-checking
✔ Never engage in verbal or physical confrontations with other drivers
✔ Keep a safe distance from aggressive drivers and avoid escalating the situation
✔ Call 911 if they feel threatened or in danger
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly road rage can spiral into dangerous, even criminal situations. We urge all drivers to exercise patience and avoid confrontations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road,” said a spokesperson from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.
Community Response and Next Steps
This violent episode has shocked residents, particularly given the severity of the injuries sustained by the elderly victim. Many in the community are concerned about the implications of Hawkins’ release and are calling for stricter consequences for road rage-related violence.
While the legal process moves forward, authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served.
Public Assistance Requested
Law enforcement officials are asking any witnesses who may have additional information or video footage of the incident to come forward. If you have any information related to this case, please contact:
📞 St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office: (618) 277-3505
📞 Anonymous Tip Line: (618) 744-8477
Final Reminder
The Illinois Supreme Court requires that all individuals charged with a crime be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Law enforcement officials stress the importance of avoiding aggressive driving behaviors to prevent similar incidents in the future. Maintaining patience and caution behind the wheel can help keep roads safe for everyone.