An elderly Michigan man, aged 85, was brutally assaulted and hospitalized following a road rage incident that occurred in a Kroger parking lot last week. The victim, Judo Whittaker, and the police have described the attack as “utterly inexcusable.” The incident was triggered when Whittaker allegedly pulled out too slowly in front of another driver, causing frustration.
Whittaker recounted the incident from his hospital bed, describing how the other driver, identified as 55-year-old John Kreitner of Westland, pulled up beside him, honking his horn incessantly and hurling insults. Kreitner then allegedly approached Whittaker’s car, getting uncomfortably close to his face. Whittaker asked him to back off, but Kreitner reportedly continued to invade his personal space.
The situation escalated when Kreitner allegedly lunged at Whittaker, leading to a physical altercation. Whittaker fell to the ground during the scuffle and subsequently required a hip replacement due to the severity of his injuries. He described the pain as intense, recalling how he was “moaning and groaning” after the fall.
Dearborn Police were alerted to the incident, which took place near Michigan Avenue and Nowlin Street, close to the Kroger parking lot. Upon arrival, they found Whittaker with serious injuries and promptly transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The police were able to identify and arrest Kreitner on July 5, thanks to witness accounts and surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The Dearborn Police Department expressed its gratitude to the witnesses and local businesses for their assistance in the investigation.
DPD Chief Issa Shahin condemned the violence, stating that such behavior will not be tolerated in their city. He assured that the department will utilize all available resources to ensure justice is served for victims and their families.
Kreitner was arraigned at the 19th District Court on charges of aggravated assault. He is currently being held on a $20,000 cash bond.