CHP says road rage may have spurred San Diego freeway crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a collision on Interstate 8 as a possible road rage incident that began with an argument between two San Diego women.

The collision, captured on a dashboard video camera by a third motorist, occurred Saturday afternoon on a stretch of busy freeway.

According to the CHP, Kelsey Shakespeare, 21, and Stephanie Pontarolo, 33, “engaged in an altercation” for unknown reasons. An obscene finger gesture may have been involved, authorities said.

Pontarolo, driving a green Toyota Tacoma truck, drove alongside Shakespeare’s vehicle, then swerved into her silver Volkswagen Jetta, the CHP said.

“As a result of the crash, both vehicles ended up on the right shoulder where the Tacoma overturned on its side,” the CHP said.

Pontarolo suffered lacerations to her face, arm and foot. Shakespeare complained of pain in her back.

The preliminary investigation listed the incident as a traffic collision. But if more evidence determines that it was intentional, “separate charges would follow,” including possible attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon, the CHP said.