SIOUX FALLS — A Sioux Falls woman is facing felony charges after police say a road rage incident resulted in a fight and an attempt to strike another with her vehicle.
Oksana Sysa, 43, of Sioux Falls, was charged Tuesday, May 16, with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of simple assault and one count of resisting arrest.
The charges stem from a Monday, May 15, incident. Police spokesman Sam Clemens on Tuesday said Sysa was tailgating another driver near the intersection of West 22nd Street and Ellis Road. In response, the other driver stuck their hand out the window and gave Sysa what Clemens described as a “non-friendly gesture.”
Clemens said Sysa then followed the other driver to her home in the 8800 block of West Nikita Drive, where a fight broke out and punches were thrown. As Sysa left, and the victim went to take a photo of her license plate, Clemens said Sysa drove her vehicle at the woman, attempting to strike the victim, but did not make contact.
Police later were able to find Sysa. Court documents indicate that a struggle ensued with arresting officers.
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Clemens said the best way to avoid a road rage incident is to be a good driver and simply ignore provocation.
“Almost all the road rage happens because of bad driving,” he said. “It may give you a small sense of satisfaction to honk your horn … but it’s not going to solve anything.”
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