POLAND — Police are investigating what they are calling a road rage episode Tuesday night — and offering advice on how to avoid escalation in such situations.

Poland Township police Chief Brian Goodin said as of Wednesday afternoon, suspects have been identified but charges are pending further investigation. Investigators are also searching for a motive.

Goodin said “something transpired” at the Boardman Walmart after a female driver and male passenger got into their vehicle and “some kind of” contact was made with the suspects, also a female driver and male passenger.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Poland Township police at 330-757-8033 and ask for Detective Greg Wilson.

When the victims pulled out of their parking spot and headed toward South Avenue, the suspects followed.

Heading east on Mathews Road, the victims’ vehicle turned right on Youngstown Poland Road then left on Lyon Boulevard into Poland. That’s when the victims’ vehicle pulled into a random driveway, Goodin said, perhaps believing the suspects would continue driving.

“The female (suspect) went to the female victim’s car and began kicking the door and pounding on the window,” Goodin said.

But the men in both vehicles ended up getting out “to see what was going on” and a fight ensued, he said.

The victims said they do not know the suspects, but they did provide a license plate number.

Boardman police Chief Todd Werth advises that if someone suspects they are involved in a possible road rage incident, the most important thing is “just take a deep breath and don’t engage … The biggest thing is to try to keep your head, keep calm.”

“If you find yourself in a parking lot, return to the store or a safe area,” Werth said, adding that if there appears to be any immediate signs of threats, people should not hesitate to call 911.

Should an altercation begin when someone is on foot en route to a vehicle, “go back inside” the store or establishment, Werth said.

Always stay in a well-lit, populated area and try to stay mobile, Werth noted. “You want to be somewhere public, especially at night.”

Both Goodin and Werth suggest motorists should try making way to a police station or fire station if someone is following too close for comfort.

Obtaining as much information about the suspect is important, Werth said, but he also noted that victims should still try to follow the laws if in traffic so a crash or other incident isn’t caused.

afox@tribtoday.com