From Deseret News archives:

Driver arrested in road-rage incident

Published: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 12:51 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
KAMAS — The roads were well marked with signs warning motorists of a bicycle race taking hundreds of cyclists up and down the Mirror Lake Highway east of Kamas last Saturday. Several vehicles with flashing lights patrolled the highway to help monitor traffic and keep cyclists safe.

Police and witnesses say that wasn't enough, however, to prevent one angry motorist from taking out his rage on some of those pedaling up the mountain by trying to run one off the road and attack others in the group.

"The guy pulled up next to me and was already in a rage," Shane Dunleavy, an experienced cyclist on a training ride Saturday morning, said. "I heard from some other cyclists that said he swerved at them, too. When he started screaming out his window at me, I said something back about having a right to be on the road."

That only served to make the motorist more angry, and he turned his wheels into the cyclists, Dunleavy said, intentionally running over one of the bikes.

"He made a couple of swerves at me and was bumping into my knee," Dunleavy said.

With the side mirror threatening to knock him over, Dunleavy said he grabbed the mirror and pushed away to create more space. The mirror broke and the driver of the truck snapped, according to Dunleavy.

Story continues below
"He went nuts," Dunleavy said. "He gunned it right into us and knocked me over. I was dragged along for a little while and pulled my knees back just as he ran over the bike."

The bike, which was equipped with computer power gauges, carbon wheels and other high-tech gear, was broken into several pieces and is a total loss. Dunleavy, a seasoned racer on the local circuit, estimated the value of the bike at nearly $14,000.

After stopping, Dunleavy said the driver jumped out of the truck and ran around to continue his assault on the cyclists.

Patrick Fasse, who was Dunleavy's riding partner at the time, helped fend off the attacker. Other cyclists quickly arrived and also assisted, Dunleavy said.

Dunleavy and Fasse were not part of Saturday's 170-mile Tour de Park City race, but were traveling the same road getting a shorter workout while also supporting teammates competing in the race.

Aside from a serious scare, some bruises and scratches, Dunleavy said he is otherwise uninjured.

The motorist, Alexander Jason Barto, 41, Kamas, was arrested by the Utah Highway Patrol for investigation of aggravated assault. He posted bail and was released Saturday night.

Dunleavy said he may have to sue the motorist for the cost of his ruined bicycle. After talking with the insurance adjuster, the incident is considered a criminal act and not an accident.

Recent comments

Bikes are good

Blake | March 31, 2009 at 2:19 p.m.

bikes are good

John | Aug. 19, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.

I just can't seem to comprehend how people can so easily advocate for...

how does this happen? | Aug. 19, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.

Image
Patrick Fasse

The bicycle of Salt Lake's Shane Duleavy is left in pieces after being run over on the Mirror Lake Highway in Summit County on Saturday morning, August 2, 2008.

previousnext

Latest comments

I am a life long BYU fan and I must say ya it's hurt pretty bad this season,...

Upset of the Year! Wasps 42 JD 35

Some of you are crazy - what's this crush with the Mountain West Conference?...

I have been anticipating this game for weeks. This is as good as it...

I have enjoyed these stars in other films and was looking forward to an...

The pressure isn't on Utah, it's on TCU. Tcu has nothing to gain by beating...

5A teams best of decade

Where are you getting your information about the 23 players that played...

Cougars practice with urgency

TCU is something to watch, but if I wanted the Cougars to model their game...

Another situation that exposes the flaws, albeit too late, of the problems...

pound it!! pound it!!! pound it! | 10:34 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009 I'm looking...

Advertisements
Advertisement