Driver Taken into Custody After Road Rage Incident with Professional Cyclist in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Police Arrest Driver in Road Rage Incident Involving Professional Cyclist
Newport Beach police have arrested a driver following a road rage incident involving a professional cyclist last weekend. The arrest comes after video footage captured the driver of a blue BMW closely tailgating the cyclist, who sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on March 21, prompting officers to respond to reports of a traffic collision between a vehicle and a cyclist. Upon arrival, authorities found the cyclist in need of medical attention and transported him to a hospital for treatment.
In the wake of the incident, the Newport Beach Police Department launched an investigation, conducting interviews and reviewing the available video evidence.
On Thursday, police executed a search warrant in Corona, leading to the arrest of Samir Weiss on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing an arrest related to the incident.
Professional cyclist Luke Fetzer recounted the harrowing experience in a social media post. He described enjoying a ride home when a blue BMW and a black and red Corvette aggressively threw objects at him and a fellow cyclist. "They then parked up the road, got out of their cars and attempted to hit us (and other cyclist) off our bikes by running into traffic and blocking the road,” Fetzer explained.
Fetzer also referenced California Vehicle Code 23110, which makes it illegal to throw any substance or object at a vehicle or its occupants on a roadway, with penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison.
As part of the investigation, police confiscated the blue BMW M3 as evidence. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have encouraged both drivers and cyclists to stay vigilant, adhere to traffic laws, and share the road responsibly. For further information, individuals can contact Sergeant Sabrina Fabbri at sfabbri@nbpd.org.
