CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – A man who was killed Thursday in an apparent road-rage incident in Coral Springs was legally deaf and used sign language to communicate, the victim's friend told Local 10 News on Friday.
"He had that disability. He was hearing impaired, but nonetheless he was a very productive member of society. He worked at a job and he had a normal life as best as it could be," family friend and chaplain, Ken McLymont, said.
Coral Springs police Sgt. Carla Kmiotek said Paul Peterman, 37, of Margate, was airlifted to a hospital after being involved in an altercation with another driver that ended in the area of Atlantic Boulevard and Riverside Drive in Coral Springs.
He was pronounced dead later in the day.
Kmiotek said the other driver, identified as Joshua Tullis, 37, of Coral Springs, fled the scene, but has since contacted detectives.
Kmiotek said he is cooperating with investigators, and it's unclear whether charges will be filed against him.
Authorities have not said how Peterman died, but said that they are still interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.
Kmiotek said he was not stabbed, nor shot.
Loved ones said Peterman was an Eagle Scout and was involved in theater. He was also a warehouse manager at a professional lighting company and was engaged to be married.
Anyone who witnessed the altercation is asked to call Coral Springs police, or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.