A man who was found unconscious by Lehi police officers after what they believe to be a road rage incident has died, according to a family spokesperson.
The man, identified in an online crowdfunding account as 38-year-old Micheal Brown, was involved in an altercation with another male driver identified by arrest documents as 43-year-old John Jeffrey Williams of Highland. It’s believed that Brown cut Williams off and brake-checked him.
Williams reportedly followed Brown into a nearby neighborhood off 1300 West and Main Street, where Lehi police say witnesses recounted seeing the two men exit their vehicles and engage in a fight.
Brown was knocked unconscious and was found bleeding from the head, arrest documents stated. He was flown to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As the alleged events unfolded, Brown’s two children were in the backseat of his car.
Williams initially was booked into the Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault.
A GoFundMe fundraising account started by Brown’s sister in-law to help support Brown’s wife and children says he suffered a traumatic brain-injury and later died.
The Lehi Police Department is investigating the incident and is looking for others who may have been in the area Sunday afternoon or witnessed the events leading up to the two men’s confrontation.
Police are also urging drivers not to get angry behind the wheel. “Considering this incident, Lehi City Police are reminding all drivers to remain calm and composed on the roads,” the department said in a press release. “Aggressive driving and road rage can lead to dangerous and potentially deadly outcomes. Lehi City Police will be increasing patrols and monitoring in hopes of preventing such incidents.”
The incident comes just weeks before new legislation that would impose harsher punishments for road rage offenders goes into effect.
The Lehi Police Department says those with additional information may call 385-201-1005 or submit tips anonymously through their website.