Alleged hammer-wielding driver arrested after gruesome road rage attack

Police have arrested a suspect and found an unexpected connection between the victim and attacker, leading investigators to believe the assault was targeted.

On the evening of May 21, at 5.55pm, a silver Holden sedan and a white utility were involved in a minor rear-end collision in Dianella, Perth when both drivers pulled to the roadside to exchange information.

Police allege the 29-year-old male ute driver began attacking the 51-year-old sedan driver with a hammer, causing serious head injuries, and stole the victim's phone and wallet.

The 29-year-old left the area before police arrived.

The 51-year-old was taken to hospital but will require ongoing specialist treatment.

Investigators said the victim was targeted by the suspect.

"It is believed the victim and 29-year-old male were not known to each other, however, a relation of the 29-year-old male is known to the victim through previous employment," police said.

The ute involved in the prang belonged to a 48-year-old man who was known to the attacker.

The ute's appearance was overhauled after the attack, so that it was unrecognisable, and the car was sold.

Police said the 48-year-old registered owner also falsely reported the ute stolen after it was sold.

On July 17 police arrested the 29-year-old and the 48-year-old from homes in Lathlain and Canning Vale.

The 29-year-old was charged with one count of aggravated armed robbery and one count of grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on August 29.

The 48-year-old was charged with one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of gaining benefit by fraud.

He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on August 7.