Teen arrested in road rage attack

A Temecula teenager is expected in court today on charges he beat two construction workers with a flashlight Monday on Balboa Island after a confrontation on Jamboree Road, according to authorities.

Police arrested 19-year-old Jonathon Closson on Monday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after investigators said his anger over being cut off led him to chase the construction workers.

Police said Closson was driving on Jamboree near East Coast Highway about noon Monday when he was cut off by Luis Hernandez, 24, who was driving a 2002 Chevy Avalanche. Closson threw a water bottle at Hernandez’s vehicle, said Sgt. Evan Sailor. At the bottom of Jamboree, before crossing onto Balboa Island, Hernandez pulled over to check the damage to his car, Sailor said. He said Closson also pulled over, bringing a skateboard out of the car.

After a brief argument, Closson swung the skateboard at Hernandez, Sailor said. Hernandez escaped unscathed and went to the construction site on Balboa Island where he and his passenger, Esteban Hernandez, were working, authorities said.

Closson and his three passengers followed the men to their work, where Closson got out and beat both men with a flashlight, police said. After the workers’ peers grabbed shovels and prepared to defend themselves, Closson and his group left, Sailor said.

The two construction workers suffered cuts and bruises but refused further treatment from paramedics, Sailor said.

— Joseph Serna