Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Safety

L.A. Doc Takes Out Road Rage on Cyclists, Injuring Two

la_doc_car.jpg

Via Streetsblog LA, a story of motorist anger run amok this past holiday weekend:

A motor vehicle driver, outraged that he was being asked to Share the Road, sped past some cyclists and slammed on his brakes; using his car as a weapon to critically injure the cyclists.  Ron Peterson had no time to swerve and ended up with his face slamming into the car’s rear windshield.  The other cyclist, Christian Stoehr, had more time to maneuver and escaped with an assortment of cuts and bruises.  Both cyclists are accomplished racers who know how to safely maneuver on the road.

When a third cyclist attempted to stop the doctor from leaving the scene the driver laid into him with curse words and threatened to drive over his bike.

The LAPD arrested and charged Dr. Christopher Thompson who was released on $30,000 bail.  No trial date has been set, but the Chief of Staff for Councilman Bill Rosendahl, the councilman in the area where the crash took place, assured LAist readers that, "The investigation will be handled by [West Los Angeles division] Detectives, who are seeking a criminal filing. When LAPD updates us on the progress, I will be sure to share that information here."

Images of the crash's aftermath (caution: fairly graphic) after the jump.

laist_2.jpg
laist_3.jpg

Images: LAist

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Activists Walk the Queensboro Bridge to Demand More Space for Pedestrians, But Lane Reverts to Cars Anyway

Safety issues were supposed to be rectified by the Department of Transportation until Mayor Adams stepped in.

April 12, 2025

Brad vs. Andrew: Lander Wants Faster Buses Initiative Eliminated Under Gov. Cuomo

It's time to revive the Select Bus Service eliminated in 2018 by then-Gov. Cuomo, according to a new report from Comptroller Brad Lander.

April 11, 2025

Council To DOT: Do Better At Tracking Projects (So We Can See When You Fail)

Two bills passed by the City Council on Thursday will require the DOT be more transparent about project progress.

April 11, 2025

Friday Video: The Only Congestion Pricing Explainer You Need (Except Ours)

We've covered congestion pricing better than anyone, but we were pleased to see our Climate Town friend Rollie Williams jump on board. It's must-see TV.

April 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: The Times Loves Sprawl Edition

Look, we're critical of the Times, but the paper reached a new low in its call for more sprawl. Plus other news.

April 11, 2025
See all posts