A trucker from Idaho has been stabbed multiple times after a crazed motorist used a stolen vehicle to ram into the truck before climbing in to the cab and stabbing the driver.
Veteran trucker Charles D. Vanzante, a 63-year-old from Idaho, was hauling two tankers full of milk down I-84 in Oregon when a man driving a gray Buick started to ram his truck from the side. Vanzante pulled his truck over to the side of the road to get away from the driver, but the Buick pulled up right next to him.
According to Lt. Gregg Hastings of the Oregon State Police, the assailant then exited his vehicle, entered the truck, and began stabbing the driver in his abdomen. Despite his multiple stab wounds, Vanzante was able to flee his vehicle and ran up a nearby hill before returning to his truck. He only struggled with his attacker for a few moments after that before passing motorists who saw what was happening were able to intervene and hold Vanzante down. The police arrived soon after and arrested the attacker at gunpoint.
Vanzante was airlifted to a nearby hospital where his injuries are being treated. His attacker was charged with attempted murder, first degree assault, reckless driving, recklessly endangering and second degree criminal mischief. Assording to Hastings, he could still face additional charges as well.
It has not yet been released whether there was any motive for the stabbing or whether it was a random act. Police were able to reveal that the Buick the attacker was driving had been stolen only a few days earlier in Pasco, Washington.
Next Story: ATA, OOIDA, Others Ask For Removal Of CSA Scores
Source: oregonlive, kgw, flashalert
Image Source: Oregon State Police
Pat Chagot says
If this was in Ohio the truck driver would have been blamed.
Ron says
Pat has got that right. Ohio has the most dishonest cops,and legal system going. Everyone in the Ohio’s legal system makes sure “Equal Justice for all” is not allowed . Ohio took my Michigan CDL in Fostoria Municipal court in 2006. Having been through Ohio’s legal sysem,and saw first hand the “Favoritism” that goes on between the cops,attornies,and judges,and the Attorney General.
Thomas says
Let me get this straight, the truck driver let a 4-wheeler with his small car run him off the road, then doesn’t bother to lock his door, letting the crazed guy easy access to stab him. Some people shouldn’t leave the house, because they have NO survival skills.
T Owens says
The driver pulled over to avoid the 4wheeler according to the story. And I don’t recall anywhere in any application for being a driver a section asking for MMA or secret op’s training. I have drivin many trucks that door locks didn’t work also. As for survival skills, it appears he did survive!
mark rosser says
I live in Idaho. We don’t have things like this happen all the time. We don’t have people that hold up your truck an hyjack it. All though we might be a bit oblivious most of us out here still believe that there is good in everyone until proven otherwise.
Gordon A says
I agree with you. Before I move my truck I make darn sure both doors are locked and windows up far enough to prevent an arm from coming in. Try to run me off the road an see which big dog wins that fight.
Kajidono says
Yeah, we’ve had this discussion before and people bashed me for saying that I would not stop. Well, this is why.
Rheum Trucker says
Hindsight is 20/20. You have too few details to be so judgemental. How about a kind word for a fellow driver that has had a very traumatic experience? Life experience has and still is teaching me empathy, compassion, and humility. I hope it will eventually do the same for you.
Mwhitelaw says
Crazy people in the Northwest… ya don’t say…
cruzing says
Well’.. this is one more tragic situation possible drug addict or severe mental health issue..
maybe both! This country needs to step up its care for both. Cruzing
missjanenc says
Locked (doors) and loaded (.38) – ’nuff said.
JJ says
I carry a can of airhorn….ever blast someones ears with a can of this….911 and a dash cam and dont pull over would have worked also….damn you got the bigger advantage here witha big truck……also a can of wasps spray works good to
Brian says
Agreed. Also, a fire extinguisher blast to the face will incapacitate someone quickly and effectively. For an extended period of time. But the bottom line is that if you must, drop it in Low gear and push that Buick down the road until you see the flashing red / blue lights.
Denise says
This is one of the saddest things I have read in a while. This poor driver was just doing his job and gets attacked.
It is a shame that we as humans really have to always be on the defensive. Wither we are working, shopping, family functions, in school or just in our homes. Lets just be thankful the driver was not killed. God bless and a full recovery Charles D. Vanzante.
Michael says
Hello fellow Truckers.’ I haven’t posted in a while here-sorry ladies and gentlemen! Yes, this is a sad and could have been-avoided story here for this poor trucker. In the next few months I’ll be retiring after 40 years driving and 33 of those years as an ‘Over the Road Driver.’ As many of you Know, our Tractor-door is one of our best-weapons when-approached by someone meaning us harm, for we can not only hit him in the head but also, knock whomever it is-over really-quickly also! And looking at the above picture, he’s hauling double tankers to boot. A 4-wheeler as Thomas and Gordon A. Lol so-true said. A car can’t do very much harm or damage to a Big Truck but this fellas pulling doubles so, he can’t Snap his steering-wheel to knock this bum 50-100 yards away as a single 53′ box-van could either! I pray for his family and hope justice puts this 4-wheeler dip-stick away for a long, long time also! Be safe and wise out there guys and gal’s and “Trust in the Lord with all of your hearts and lean not to your own understanding.in all your-ways acknowledge-Him and, He will direct your paths!” {Proverbs 3:5} Till we speak again, i remain yours in Christ- ol’ Locomotion signing off now,73’s and you younger one’s, Listen, Learn and Watch for we are-All daily-Learning and, if you Think you know it-all, your not Really a Trucker’ at heart! Bye,Michael.
ozzy says
Another driver without a gun……… when will they wake up…..
Jon says
A lot of companies won’t allow weapons in the truck. That’s why I carry my sledge hammer, I mean tire thumper, with me up front. Haha
sudon't says
I agree that drivers should be able to arm themselves. We go into some sketchy places sometimes, and often have to sleep in them. Unfortunately, while there is no law prohibiting drivers from carrying weapons, almost every carrier I’ve worked for specifically prohibited it.
If you find yourself in a situation where a four-wheeler is trying to ram you, let him. He’s unlikely to hurt the truck, and you don’t want to give him a chance to get out of his vehicle and into yours.
Ray says
Are you sure there is no law prohibiting drivers from carrying a gun? I thought some states don’t allow it.
Ray says
This is pretty scary stuff. I guess such people are out there. I hope the driver makes a quick and full rrecovery. I tend to agree that drivers should be allowed to arm themselves. The government trusts us to not kill people behind the wheel of a large truck, so why wouldn’t they trust us to carry a gun for self-defense?
Kirby says
It’s your 2nd Ammendment right to carry. The only places I don’t carry are the places with metal detectors. I’m not going to let some ‘sign’ in a window or line in a handbook keep me from protecting myself. As long as no one threatens my life, nobody will ever know I have it. If someone DOES threaten my life and I have to use it….well, you know what they say…better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Trust me, I’ll find another job. Besides, how are those “No Guns Allowed” signs working in schools, banks, convenience stores, drug stores, etc? Yep..my point exactly.