Santa Maria man speaks out after apparent road rage vandalism

Police are searching for a felony vandalism suspect after a Santa Maria man claims he’s the victim of road range.

Jesse White took on a second job at the Crossroads Shopping Center, just to help pay for his dream truck.

Now, that investment is sitting in the shop for a week, facing close to $4,000 in damages.

“There’s nothing more heartbreaking than not doing anything wrong and having to go home in a tow truck,” said White.

White has parked in the same spot at his work for the past 12 years without incident, until last week.

“The entire driver’s side of my vehicle had been keyed and all the tires on the driver’s side of my vehicle had been slashed,” said White.

He traces his ordeal back to Friday’s commute. White says he was exiting off the 101 onto Betteravia when another vehicle cut in front of him and almost hit his 2017 Silverado.

“She kept locking up her brakes, brake checking me so I had honked at her again, like what are you doing,” said White.

White admits he was fearful that the female Hispanic driver in a white Honda Accord with black and yellow plates would retaliate.

“I was just in shock. I could not believe that somebody would do something like that and you know, I’m a nice person and I don’t deserve that, nobody deserves that. To have somebody do something so extreme over a driving incident,” said White.

After being alerted by a co-worker later in the day, White says his heart dropped when he saw the thousands of dollars in damage caused by what he says is a deliberate road rage attack.

“For that to happen to my vehicle the same day it’s just very cut and dry that it was her. There’s not a doubt in my mind that she did this to my vehicle,” said White.

The vandalism victim also says the driver appeared to be in her early to mid 20’s, average to slim build with medium brown hair and glasses. He says her Accord was a newer four-door sedan sport with tinted windows.

Santa Maria Police say if you feel like you’re the victim of road rage, call 9-1-1 and head toward the Santa Maria Police Department if possible.

If you witnessed White’s initial incident getting off the Betteravia exit or anything in the Crossroads parking lot, please call (805) 928-3781.

If you would like to help White cover expenses endured through this ordeal, you can find more information here.