Suspect Sketch Released In Deadly Jurupa Valley Road Rage Fight
JURUPA VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — Relatives are pleading with the public to help them identify the motorist who fatally injured a Jurupa Valley man during a road rage scuffle.
The victim's sister said, "We just want this person caught because people like that don't need to be on the street."
A sketch of the alleged assailant, who witnesses described as a Hispanic man who looked to be about 30 years old, was released Sunday by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. He was reportedly driving a Jeep Liberty in either beige, tan or silver.
The argument took place around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, where Avenue Juan Bautista and Skyview Road meet in Jurupa Valley.
Several people called 911, but by the time deputies arrived the motorists had left the scene.
During the exchange, Jurupa Valley resident Jerry Lakes, 55, was badly injured and checked himself into a hospital several hours later, the RCSD reported.
"Something about [being hit] over head, knocked him down, and broke his glasses," according to Lakes' sister, Marcia. She said her brother was going out for dinner when the altercation took place.
She said Lakes was too weak to put up a good fight. He spent years undergoing dialysis.
"He has the disabled [logo] on his license plate and if the guy was behind him he could very well see it," Marcia said.
Lakes' health deteriorated and he died on Monday, according to RCSD Sgt. Todd Torrenti.
Family says he died of internal injuries and blunt force trauma to the head.
The victim's brother, Robert, said, "We just need to get some closure. This guy needs to be found. He needs to be found so justice can be served."
"Our family is hurting because our brother's been taken from us over something as senseless as this," he said.
Lakes leaves behind a 24-year-old daughter.
Recognize the man in the sketch? The Riverside County Sheriff's Department would like to hear from you -- contact Inv. Corey at (951) 840-8827 or Central Dispatch at (951) 776-1099.
