A minor traffic incident escalated into a brutal road rage attack last month in Oak Lawn, leaving a 73-year-old man hospitalized with severe facial injuries.
The Attack
The incident occurred on November 28 at the intersection of Cicero Avenue and Southwest Highway. Joseph and his wife, Deborah (who asked to be identified only by their first names), were driving when a truck driven by 41-year-old D’Angelo Groce, of Rockford, sideswiped their car.
According to Deborah, Groce cut her off after driving out of a gas station near 90th Street as she attempted to change lanes. When she got out of her car to confront him, Groce allegedly pushed her to the ground, causing her to lose her phone and glasses.
When Joseph exited the vehicle to defend his wife, he was viciously attacked. Deborah recalled hearing Groce tell her husband, who was on the ground and trying to get up, “Get up again MFer, and I’m going to finish you.”
“I thought he was going to kill him. I thought he was going to kill him,” Deborah said of the attack on her husband.
Victim’s Injuries and Aftermath
Joseph suffered extensive injuries, including a broken nose and jaw, and two broken teeth. His wife confirmed that he required surgery to place two plates in his jaw. The couple, who must now navigate mounting medical and repair costs, also shared that Joseph was diagnosed with dementia three years ago.
“He’s going through enough, and to go through this much pain that he’s been through, it’s just totally unnecessary,” Deborah stated.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Witnesses quickly called the police, and Groce was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery.
Oak Lawn Police confirmed the arrest and charges. Groce is currently being held at Cook County Jail, with a judge ordering him detained, citing him as a risk to public safety. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 19th.
Groce’s Troubling Record
Court records show that Groce has a history of violent offenses. His prior convictions include:
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2010: Burglary conviction.
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2012: Domestic violence conviction.
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2020: Convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. His probation for these convictions ended just last year, in December 2023.
The couple says they now fear for their safety following the traumatic, unprovoked attack.
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