School van driver stabbed in road rage in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -- New Bedford police say the driver of a school transport van carrying several middle school students was stabbed in an apparent road rage incident.

Police arrested 19-year-old Aaron Maldonado at a city apartment shortly after the stabbing yesterday for allegedly assaulting the 39-year-old driver, whose name was not released.

No students were hurt and, based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the incident was fueled by road rage -- although Chief David Provencher said he didn't know what triggered the attack.

The owner of the van contractor tells The Standard Times the driver was treated at a hospital and released. She described him as "OK."

Police say Maldonado is "well-known" to them and possesses a lengthy criminal record.