Driver runs over bicyclist in road rage argument in downtown San Francisco - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Driver runs over bicyclist in road rage argument in downtown San Francisco

Share via

An argument between a man on a bicycle in downtown San Francisco and a motorist nearly turned deadly Thursday night when the driver allegedly hit and ran over the cyclist, police said.

Taj’zanae Zakira Thomas, an 18-year-old Oakland resident, was driving with two others in her car when she and a 26-year-old man on a bicycle started arguing at 4th and Market streets downtown about 5 p.m., said San Francisco police spokesman Albie Esparza.

Witnesses reported hearing a thud when the bicyclist pounded on Thomas’ car, then saw him pull ahead, police said. Then Thomas allegedly hit the man’s bicycle, knocking him over. She then drove directly over him and paused, witnesses told police.

Advertisement

Pedestrians who watched the violent encounter rushed in and stood in front of Thomas’ car, blocking her escape, Esparza said. The bicyclist was rushed to the hospital with a broken back and pelvis, KRON reported.

Police arrested Thomas on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Her passengers were interviewed but not arrested, Esparza said.

Confrontations between bicyclists and drivers in San Francisco are common, Esparza said.

“Outside of Manhattan, there’s no other city in America congested like San Francisco … it can be very tense,” he said.

Advertisement

Last summer, a bicyclist was caught on video smashing a U-lock into a car during a monthly Critical Mass ride through city streets.

ALSO

Amtrak train slams into pickup, killing 3 men near Fresno

Advertisement

3 men face felony charges in killing of endangered pupfish in Death Valley

Shooting of pregnant woman is ‘an assault on us all’; search for ex-boyfriend continues

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.

Advertisement