An elderly driver sustained a serious facial injury after being allegedly assaulted by another driver in a road rage incident on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred near the Beachcomber Pearl Centre at around 3pm.

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said they received a report of an alleged assault stemming from a minor motor vehicle incident on Wednesday afternoon.

“Driver said to have punched the other driver.  Serious injury to the face, suspected jaw fracture,” Pitt said.

According to a witness, who shared her post on the Rarotonga Community and Beyond Facebook page with Cook Islands News, a papa was beaten senselessly after being involved in a minor accident with another driver, a local in his mid-30s.

“The road rage driver gave the Papa beating and left him stone-cold by the side of the road, and drove off, with witnesses around. Those who were there assisted the Papa, ensuring his safety. The Papa was bleeding on his face and his head,” she said.

“I was one of those with the Papa and who rang the Police. We had off duty medical personnel who stopped to assist.

“What happened during the minor accident shouldn’t have ended with the beating of another, taking things in your own hands. Leave it to the law to deal with it.

“I pray that the Papa is okay, and that the road rage driver sincerely apologises to the Papa and his family.”

Police spokesperson Pitt said the suspect allegedly left the scene without waiting for police to arrive.