Utahn accused of targeting Tesla in high-speed road rage incident on I-80

TOOELE, Utah (ABC4) — A 27-year-old Utahn was booked into the Tooele County Jail after he allegedly chased down a black Tesla and attempted to ram it off I-80.

The suspect, identified as Oscar Fayani, now faces a third-degree felony of aggravated assault and misdemeanor reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Utah Highway Patrol said on Friday morning, April 18, it received multiple calls reporting a gold sedan allegedly driving recklessly on westbound I-80. The sedan, allegedly being driven by Fayani, was also reportedly seen “road raging” with a Tesla “on purpose” in an alleged attempt to push it off the roadway, according to court documents.

One witness told troopers they saw the sedan pull close to the Tesla and swerve in an attempt to ram it off the road. The Tesla reportedly avoided contact and attempted to speed away, only to be allegedly chased down by Fayani.

Thirty minutes after the initial call and after over 40 miles, Utah Highway Patrol was able to stop both the Tesla and the gold sedan in separate traffic stops. The Tesla driver admitted to driving over 100 miles per hour, saying they sped in an attempt to get away from the sedan.

“[The Tesla driver] stated he attempted to exit, wait a few minutes and get back on the freeway,” Utah Highway Patrol reported in court documents. “He stated that after he got back on the freeway, the gold sedan was waiting for him. The driver stated that the suspect intentionally tried to push into his lane and push him off the roadway.”

Fayani, meanwhile, allegedly denied driving aggressively, saying he was driving between 75 and 80 miles per hour. Based on witness statements, Fayani was taken into custody and booked on the aforementioned charges with road rage enhancements.

Utah Highway Patrol said the sedan was impounded in accordance with Utah’s new road rage laws, and an inventory was taken. During the inventory, police reportedly found two small baggies with “a residue of white powdery substance” as well as a “roller,” they say is used for “rolling marijuana joints.”

Court records show Fayani was ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.