Nathaniel Radimak, the man infamous for his road rage incidents in Southern California while driving a Tesla, has taken another dark turn. Less than a year after his release from prison, Radimak was arrested in Honolulu, Hawaii, for an assault during a road rage incident. CBS Los Angeles reports that Radimak, now 29, was taken into custody by the Honolulu Police Department on Thursday for unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and first-degree assault.
According to officials, the recent altercation involved an 18-year-old woman and her 35-year-old mother. As the young woman was attempting to park her car on Wednesday, they exchanged heated words with Radimak, who then allegedly proceeded to physically assault both women before fleeing the scene in his gray Tesla with Oregon license plates. This incident occurred in the Waikiki area of Honolulu, known for its beaches and vibrant tourist scene. Radimak's actions seem to disturbingly echo his previous aggressive behavior on the roads of Los Angeles, where he was previously convicted for a series of attacks on motorists, some of which involved the use of a metal pipe.
Radimak's history of road rage is well-documented, with his attacks dating back to 2022. These incidents were captured on video and went viral, earning him the moniker "Tesla road rage guy." After being sentenced to five years in prison back in September 2023, he was released early, serving less than a year due to being awarded 424 days for time served and additional credits for good behavior. NBC Los Angeles notes Radimak's parole after ten months seems to have been insufficient to prevent a relapse into violence.
Victims and their advocates have previously criticized the justice system for what they consider to be a lenient approach to Radimak's sentencing and release. "His early release has shocked and disappointed many of the victims whom I represent," attorney Gloria Allred told ABC7. Another victim expressed concerns during a Zoom news conference that the short sentence would unlikely result in reforming Radimak's behavior or rehabilitate him, considering his criminal history. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's decision to release Radimak was influenced by prison overcrowding, undervaluing the potential threat posed by repeat violent offenders.
