A routine morning drive turned into a traumatizing incident for Adreana Jemison and her 10-year-old daughter, after a man allegedly launched into a racially charged road rage attack in Cheektowaga, New York, on Tuesday, May 7.
The man, 34-year-old Justin Goodrich, has since been arrested and fired from his job after being accused of physically assaulting the child and using racist slurs during the encounter.
How the Incident Began
According to police, the confrontation started as a simple traffic issue.
“Somebody came off a side street, they weren’t happy, and it led to the road rage incident,” said Cheektowaga police Lt. Brian Bzibziak, speaking to Buffalo’s ABC-7 News.
Jemison, who is Black, was taking her daughter Aleana to school when the confrontation began. She told reporters that Goodrich began honking, and she responded by gesturing back and swearing, thinking it would end there.
Instead, she says the man rolled down his window and said, “It’s always you people, always you [expletive].”
Child Allegedly Choked at Red Light
Surveillance video confirmed that both vehicles stopped at a red light at the intersection of Union Road and George Urban Boulevard.
Jemison says that’s when Goodrich approached her vehicle and physically assaulted her daughter Aleana.
“He looked so evil,” said Aleana, recalling the terrifying moment. “He pulled my shirt and grabbed my neck. I thought I was going to pass out.”
After the alleged assault, Goodrich returned to his car and drove away.
Jemison Followed Him, Captured Video
Jemison followed Goodrich to his home and recorded the encounter on video, which has since spread on social media, especially TikTok, gaining support and calls for justice.
In the video, she can be heard confronting him:
“You put your hands on my daughter and you thought I wasn’t going to follow you.”
Goodrich responded with more racial slurs, according to Jemison.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Goodrich was arrested on Tuesday and charged with:
- Second-degree harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Endangering the welfare of a child
He was arraigned Wednesday morning and is due to return to court in July.
Police say the investigation is still ongoing, and more charges may be added, depending on the review of available evidence.
Fired From Job After Viral Backlash
Goodrich’s employer, United Refrigeration, confirmed that he has been fired following an internal investigation.
“His actions were inconsistent with our values,” the company said. “He is no longer employed with United Refrigeration.”
Public Reaction and Ongoing Support
Social media users have rallied behind Jemison and her daughter, with many calling for further charges, including hate crimes, and even civil legal action.
One user wrote:
“Take this ALL the way—child endangerment, assault, hate crime, etc.”
Another said:
“These people aren’t getting bold. They already ARE. Start handling them when it happens.”