A traffic dispute between two drivers allegedly took a disturbing turn when it escalated into a violent confrontation in a Hobby Lobby parking lot, leaving one woman with serious facial injuries.
Jaydena Elaine Simpson, 30, of Idaho Falls, now faces felony charges following the alleged July 6 incident in Ammon.
According to court documents reviewed by East Idaho News, deputies responded around 7 p.m. to a report of an assault in the Hobby Lobby and Kneaders parking lot near 25th East after witnesses reported hearing yelling and seeing two women involved in a physical altercation.
Authorities said the confrontation followed an earlier dispute between the two drivers involving a near-collision before they entered the parking area.
The victim told deputies Simpson allegedly slammed on her brakes as she attempted to pass, creating a dispute between the two drivers before they arrived at the parking lot.
According to court documents, Simpson accused the woman of failing to use a turn signal, cutting her off and nearly causing a crash.
The victim said the disagreement continued after both vehicles entered the shopping area, where the confrontation later escalated.
A witness told investigators that Simpson allegedly retrieved a tire iron from the back of her vehicle after arriving at the parking lot.
Court documents state that Simpson allegedly swung the tire iron and threatened the other woman, telling her she would “f*** your car up and f*** you up.”
Authorities said the victim attempted to get attention from another person nearby and tried to return to her vehicle.
According to the victim’s statement to deputies, Simpson then approached her as she was attempting to leave and allegedly grabbed her before repeatedly striking her head against the vehicle.
Witnesses reportedly yelled at Simpson and honked their horns in an attempt to stop the confrontation. Court documents state that Simpson left the scene shortly after the alleged attack.
When deputies arrived, they found the victim with visible injuries, including a bloodied face and hands, according to court records.
The woman was later taken for medical evaluation, where a CT scan showed fractures to her nose and septum in three separate places.
Simpson was arrested and charged with two felony counts related to the alleged incident.
She was later released on her own recognizance while awaiting further court proceedings. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19, according to court records, per Law & Crime.
Simpson is being represented by a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on pending cases.
The case remains pending as prosecutors move forward with the felony charges filed against Simpson.
The allegations show how a dispute that began with an everyday disagreement between drivers can escalate into a serious criminal matter.
Future court proceedings will determine the outcome of the case and whether prosecutors can prove the allegations in court.
