Driver hit bicyclist with gun

[Melalvai]

I stay away from this forum because it is upsetting. But when I read this, I was glad this forum is here, so I can share it. This story upsets me so this is a good place to put it.

Driver hit bicyclist with gun (http://www.showmenews.com/2008/Apr/20080416News001.asp)

[mimitabby]

oh, he looks like a real sweetheart. Columbia?

[Flybye]

That was a confusing headline.........

Did the driver have the gun?

Did the bicyclist have the gun?

Who hit who with what and who had the gun?

Now that I have it all straightened out - I read the article - I am wondering how the cyclist managed to get the officer called and ID the van. I am glad they caught the driver.

[Pax]

Wow, so much anger and hatred in the world. :(

[mupedalpusher]

The cyclist is actually a stand up guy, both Melalvai and I know him. In fact, he's a local LBS owner and he was a block from his shop when this guy cut him off. The cyclist slapped the back of the van to let him know he nearly hit him. The motorist came back, got out of his van, pointed the gun at him and threatened to kill him. Then, he struck him with the gun and sped off. The police arrested him the same evening. I have no doubt the cyclist was in no way at fault, he's a full time commuter with good bicycling skills.

[ridebikeme]

After reading this horrific story a couple of weeks ago, I thought that I would email the editor of the paper that wrote the article. After writing the email and getting read to hit "send" another screen appeared that was encouraging people to think about visiting Missouri and see their great state. Now having been there many times, I am NOT knocking the state... however I do have a problem with a newspaper that will write an article such as that and then have NO compassion for the cyclist or their family... but instead encourage me to come and visit. What am I missing when what that did was exactly the opposite? Anyway to make a long story short, the editor wasn't all that sympathetic and didn't take any responsibility for the article OR the fact that I was being encouraged to come visit a state where the local newspaper/editor thought that was a perfect place to encourage tourism rather than showing compassion for the cyclist.