Suspect in van slashing behind bars

NEW BEDFORD, Mass., (WPRI) - The man accused of slashing the driver of a van with a knife in a road rage incident in New Bedford on Wednesday remains behind bars.

Police say at the time of the attack, the victim, Paul Medeiros, was transporting a group of Roosevelt Middle School students.

The incident happened at the intersection of Hemlock and Dunbar Streets around 3 p.m.

• Man driving students slashed in neck

Authorities say Medeiros was driving the van when a car driven by 19-year-old Aaron Maldonado made a wide turn around the van and honked. Medeiros reportedly honked back.

According to court documents, both men pulled over and started fighting. That's when Maldonado reportedly pulled out a knife and slashed Medeiros.

"He was very calm. He was cut up. He was bloody. He was very calm. He was just concerned with the kids," an eyewitness recounted.

The court documents also say that Maldonado admitted to slashing Medeiros, but only because the van driver said he had a gun on the van and was going to kill him.

Medeiros suffered injuries to his head and nose.

Maldonado is facing several charges including armed assault to murder.

He is being held until his next court date.