FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report
Nearly two years after a female trucker was beaten unconscious during a shocking road rage incident on the Île aux Tourtes Bridge during long traffic delays due to work that limited the number of lanes open on the span, the victim will finally have her day in court when the case goes before a judge this summer as the suspect faces one count of assault causing bodily harm.
Trucker Stephanie Ross says she is ready to face 47-year-old John Kirwin Labissiere of Terrebonne in court, and is relieved the case will finally be heard by a judge during a two-day trial scheduled for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
“The slow wheels of justice are finally turning,” Ross said. “It’s been frustrating and long, but things are finally moving.”
Ross suffered a major concussion and facial injuries on Aug. 21, 2024, during a fender-bender incident, which forced the closure of the bridge in both directions for several hours as paramedics and Sûreté du Québec officers did their best to reach the scene due to heavy bridge congestion at the time. According to the SQ, the road rage incident was sparked by a dispute as both trucks were stuck in heavy traffic in the westbound lane at about 3:30 p.m.
A shocking video of the brazen attack, obtained by The 1019 Report and other media, showed Ross, a resident of Morin Heights, being punched in the head and knocked unconscious by a male trucker. The video also showed two Transport Quebec employees trying to reason with Ross’s attacker, as he hovered over Ross, who was lying unconscious on the pavement. She was transported to hospital for treatment.
Three months after the assault, the SQ arrested Labissiere, who does not have a criminal record. He was released on bail and continues to be free.
Nearly two years after the attack, Ross is still feeling the physical and mental effects of the assault.
“I am getting neuropsychology treatments for my PTSD,” she said. “It is greatly needed and appreciated. I am also getting physio for my jaw and shoulders.”
Waiting for the case to inch its way through the court system has been frustrating for Ross and her spouse, she said.
“I have been processing things in my head, and although legally it’s OK, common sense is out the window! I meet with my PTSD therapist, it is welcomed and hopefully calms my hamster in my brain.”
Local Journalism Initiative