GabeMcG

photo by DougMC

*This is a developing story, I will update as new facts surface, and link to video and pictures of the assault.*

Photo By DougMC

3/26/2010

Austin-- On today's Critical Mass ride, a male driver in his mid thirties hit a single cyclist and then tried to 'push' two or three others out of the way with his truck in an attempt to flee the scene of the crime. He was detained and released by Austin police after brandishing a handgun in a confrontation with other cyclists on the ride. None of the cyclists were seriously injured. 

The truck suffered at least two severe body dents/scratches, two slashed tires, and a broken rear window. The damage to the vehicle was done not in the initial attack, but in a barrage of U-Locks after being surrounded by angry cyclists. The extent of biker property damage is not known. 

The driver apparently wielded a handgun, and even chambered a round. He did not point the weapon. He was handcuffed and detained by police before being released. The APD was unavailable for comment. 

According to one source who considers the vehicular damage a fair penance for the attack there were no charges filed against the suspect, who claimed self defense.

Update on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 12:57AM by Gabe

UPDATE:

I've spoken to more eyewitnesses who described the beginning of the incident. The truck was trying to pass the mass in the left lane of a one way street and some riders may have turned left in front of him cutting/pissing him off.

Some do not believe the initial collision was intentional, but that he may have been swerving to avoid others cyclists. In any case he was driving recklessly and attempting to hit and run. The things done to his vehicle were illegal and no cyclists have been charged yet in the incident either. 

Click the photo above for full gallery, or go: Here

Update on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 6:18PM by Gabe

Ok, so in case anyone missed it, Jason has come through with a full report (w/lively comments section), and follow up coverage (with video below) as well as a report from the actual media.

 

Via Jason @ ATXBS:

"Today is the usual Sunday Bike Polo out at Eastwoods Park, but this time around there's going to be NOTHING usual about it. The pros are out of town at the tourneys so us amateurs get to work on some skill development without being slaughtered all day long, the weather is sunny and warm, and because we fucking felt like we we decided that we're going to have a BBQ! Show up at 2pm polo time (2:45-3pm for real time) to get in on some playing, I'll be showing up shortly thereafter to begin making with the grub...

As for the whys and wherefors of the BBQ, here it is: It's a beautiful February day in Texas, so what better way to enjoy it than with some friendly bloodshed and the roasting of raw meet over open fires? I'm pitching in for a lot of sausage, 2 lbs of chicken and some tortillas. There's going to be charcoal and some chips and shit also provided, but if you guys want more than that you need to swing by somewhere and bring it! Don't leave me hanging here, lets have a spread of some tasty shit. Veggie food and sides are appreciated, beer is REALLY appreciated, and if you had a bottle of liquor kicking around you'd be my best friend. I'm taking a short drinking break but today's my last day to imbibe. Humor me."