FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities have identified a second suspect who, they said, was captured on cellphone video beating a woman during a road rage incident.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Julie Sam is one of the women seen on video beating 26-year-old Mikaela Barboza in March during a road rage argument. Deputies said they had obtained a warrant on Thursday for Sam’s arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
“I’m still kind of nervous to even drive,” said Barboza.
BSO said Sam was last seen driving a 2018 Kia Sorrento rental car with Georgia tag RKR4868.
The first suspect, 22-year-old Samantha Denis, was arrested Wednesday and is accused of joining Sam in the attack.
“I’m just relieved that now at least one of the suspects is finally off the streets,” said Barboza.
“She didn’t have a problem being seen when she was attacking the victim, but now she seems to be hiding,” said BSO spokesperson Veda Coleman-Wright.
The road rage incident occurred on March 22, when Barboza said she accidentally cut off a woman while driving down U.S. 441. She started recording video on her cellphone when two vehicles blocked her at a Lauderdale Lakes shopping plaza.
Deputies said cameras captured Sam and Denis allegedly beating Barboza. Video showed the women using baseball bats to hit the victim.
Barboza suffered a broken nose, as well as bruises and lacerations in the attack. “Seven stitches on my forehead,” she said.
The victim acknowledged the attack could have been worse if a couple of good Samaritans had not intervened.
Barboza said she’s concerned someone could display such violent behavior in front of their child. “It’s just really sad for me to see a parent do that, especially right in front of their kid, because it’s like, how could you do that in front of your kid and let them see something that traumatic?” she said.
The victim said she hopes deputies are able to track down Sam. “If it wasn’t me, it would have been somebody else,” said Barboza. “It was something so small, such a stupid thing for them to get so mad about.”
If you have any information on Julie Sam’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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