An Army veteran with PTSD endured a vicious pepper spray assault to his face after a road-rage driver decided he was traveling too slowly through a California traffic-calming zone, with the entire attack captured on camera.

Ambush on Vallejo Waterfront

Joe Vallely, a father of two, was operating a company bucket truck on Wilson Avenue in Vallejo around 9:30 a.m. Monday when a Nissan Altima began tailgating him aggressively. The veteran was navigating newly installed speed tables designed to reduce traffic to 15 miles per hour in sections of the normally 30-mph waterfront road. Vallely told KTVU he was already driving cautiously due to the road design and his heavy work vehicle used for servicing internet infrastructure for city departments.

The situation escalated dramatically when the road widened near Hichborn Street. The woman sped around Vallely’s truck, cut directly in front of him, and slammed on her brakes, forcing an abrupt stop with other vehicles still behind him. She then exited her vehicle, approached his open window, and unleashed pepper spray directly into his face. Video footage shows her taunting him seconds before the chemical attack, saying “You scared? You should be scared” before spraying him at close range.

Veteran Blindly Escapes Attack

Vallely screamed in pain as the chemical burned his eyes but refused to escalate the confrontation. Despite being temporarily blinded, he managed to drive to a nearby liquor store to rinse his eyes before seeking proper medical treatment at Kaiser Permanente with a professional eye flush. The process server said the unprovoked attack has left him shaken while simply performing his job duties on public roads.

Criminal Case Moving Forward

Vallejo police authorities confirmed they believe they have identified the suspect and plan to forward the case to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for criminal review. The attack raises serious questions about public safety on roadways where traffic-calming measures require slower speeds. The veteran’s restraint throughout the incident prevented further violence, though he now faces recovery from both the physical assault and psychological impact of the unprovoked attack while working.