Rhode rage on Comm. Ave.

Jace (l) and Miller.Boston Police report two drivers who allegedly went after each other near the BU Bridge - one of whom narrowly avoided crushing an innocent bicyclist - are from Providence.

The two, who police say know each other from work, got into a brawl around 4:15 p.m. that left both their SUVs with smashed windows and the bicycle ruined beyond repair. The bicyclist, who police said managed to escape with just minor bruises and cuts, was dragged through the intersection before escaping.

Rocky Jace, 39, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, driving to endanger, malicious destruction of property and various driving infractions. His colleague, Nick Miller, 42, was charged with assault and battery causing injuries and malicious destruction of property.

Police did not say what set the two off, but said that after Miller smashed out the rear and side windows of Jace's vehicle - with a baseball bat, witnesses said - Jace first accelerated into the intersection - knocking down and dragging the bicyclist - then stopped, got out with a metal bar and ran through traffic to smash Miller's windshield.

Both men were released on personal recognizance at their arraignments in Brighton District Court - but ordered to stay away from each other and each other's families - the Suffolk County District Attorney's office reports.

Innocent, etc.

NOTE: Thanks to jmeltzer for the suggestion for the vastly superior headline.