A Los Angeles County jury found a car driver guilty of six felonies following a July 2008 incident where the driver had a violent altercation with two bicyclists.  The driver slammed on his brakes in front of the bicycle riders causing serious injuries to both bicyclists.  The driver became angry at the bicycle riders as he drove down a windy canyon road in the Los Angeles area.  He was having difficulty passing the bikes.

The car driver Christopher Thomas was an emergency room doctor in Los Angeles.  He had a prior history of conflicts with bicycle riders.  It was clear from his reported statements that he believed bicycles should not be on the road and needed to get the hell out of his way.  He made it a point to teach these bike riders a lesson.  Well, who was taught the lesson here?

Thomas had been out on bail, but the judge revoked bail and Thomas was place in jail immediately following the guilty jury verdict.  Thomas is no longer an ER doctor and does not live in the LA area.  He is likely to lose his medical license as a result of the felony convictions.  Thank God!  Any doctor that is okay with trying to seriously hurt a bicycle rider with his car should not be permitted to practice medicine.

Thomas faces a maximum of 10 years in prison at his sentencing in a few weeks.  But as a first time offender he likely will not receive the maximum.

It is not okay to use your car as a weapon no matter how frustrated you get with a bicycle rider, motorcycle, or other vehicle driver.  Follow the Golden rule...Treat others how you would want to be treated!