The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on August 26 in Etobicoke.
Justin Smith told CTV News Toronto that he had gone to Westway Plaza, near Kipling and Dixon streets, to get food for his family and visit a local pharmacy when he noticed a car parked in a fire pit. He said he approached the driver to tell him he shouldn’t be there.
“I guess he didn’t take it kindly, although he didn’t say anything to me at the time,” the 39-year-old said from his hospital bed.
It’s about a two-minute drive from the square to Smith’s house, and halfway there, while sitting at a red light, he noticed the same car pull up next to him. The driver started yelling at him.
Smith said the driver continued to follow him to the complex where he lives. After some time passed and he realized the driver was not going to leave, Smith got out of the car to confront him in front of his building.
“Within seconds, I heard the engine revving. And that’s the moment that pretty much changed everything for me for the rest of my life.”
According to Smith, the driver accelerated and hit him with the vehicle before leaving the scene.
“I just remember being on top of the car. I remember hearing the windshield glass shatter and crack. It felt like an eternity but so fast.”
“Honestly, I’m lucky I’m not dead.”
Smith said he broke his tibia, which requires reconstructive surgery, and has extensive bruising all over his body.
“The only part of my body that wasn’t affected, hurt or scratched was my face and head. I have no idea how this happened, but I’m absolutely lucky to be alive.”
Police say they were initially called to the scene for a reported “failure to remain with injuries,” but the case is now being investigated as an assault with a weapon.
Officials say the video revealed two suspects, a man and a woman, inside the car at the time of the incident.
The vehicle is described as a silver, four-door Honda Civic. The investigation is ongoing.
Justin Smith is seen with his children as he recovers from a road rage incident. Meanwhile, Smith, who is the father of twin 10-year-old boys, said he worries about “uncertain times” as he learns to live with these life-changing injuries. He says he may not be able to walk properly again. “I may not be able to go back to my normal life. Do what I love to do you know, support my family…play with my kids,” he said. “It’s a scary thought.” A family member has set up a GoFundMe page to help support the family during what Smith is sure will be a long road to recovery. The campaign has already raised over $20,000, which Smith says “restores his faith in humanity.” With files from Beth Macdonell of CTV News Toronto
