Advocacy & Safety - ER physician (!!) charged in road rage incident

URL included for photos. Copy pasted below in case the link expires. My only comment: I hope the board of regents at his hospital are watching this case.

http://www.kfi640.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=&article=3923495

A doctor faces felony assault with a deadly weapon charges after he allegedly – intentionally – caused a collision with two bicyclists in Mandeville Canyon.

By Eric Leonard/KFI News
Monday, July 7, 2008


An emergency room physician faces felony assault with a deadly weapon charges after he allegedly – intentionally – caused a collision with two bicyclists in Mandeville Canyon in Pacific Palisades July 4.

Dr. Christopher Thompson, 58, posted $30,000 bail shortly after his arrest at the scene of the crash and is due in court next month, according to booking records.

“It had to be road rage,” said trainer Ron Peterson, who said he and a friend, Christian Stoehr, were cycling down the canyon when a red Infinity sped past them and the driver yelled something.

“He barely missed me.”

Then, Peterson said the driver pulled in front of them, slammed on his brakes, and with no time to stop, he and Stoehr hit the car at almost 30 miles per hour.

“My bike hit the trunk of his car, and that launched me almost through the back window,” Peterson said. Bits of glass had to be removed from his face, and he required dozens of stitches to reattached his nose and close a bleeding wound on his chin.

“This person, who apparently is an E.R. doctor got out of his car, [but] as far as I remember didn’t offer me any medical assistance,” Peterson said in a telephone interview Monday.

Thompson did not immediately return a message left on his private voicemail.

Mandeville Canyon residents and cyclists usually get along, but Peterson and other riders admit there are occasional road-sharing disputes.

URL included for photos. Copy pasted below in case the link expires. My only comment: I hope the board of regents at his hospital are watching this case.

http://www.kfi640.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=&article=3923495

A doctor faces felony assault with a deadly weapon charges after he allegedly – intentionally – caused a collision with two bicyclists in Mandeville Canyon.

By Eric Leonard/KFI News
Monday, July 7, 2008


An emergency room physician faces felony assault with a deadly weapon charges after he allegedly – intentionally – caused a collision with two bicyclists in Mandeville Canyon in Pacific Palisades July 4.

Dr. Christopher Thompson, 58, posted $30,000 bail shortly after his arrest at the scene of the crash and is due in court next month, according to booking records.

“It had to be road rage,” said trainer Ron Peterson, who said he and a friend, Christian Stoehr, were cycling down the canyon when a red Infinity sped past them and the driver yelled something.

“He barely missed me.”

Then, Peterson said the driver pulled in front of them, slammed on his brakes, and with no time to stop, he and Stoehr hit the car at almost 30 miles per hour.

“My bike hit the trunk of his car, and that launched me almost through the back window,” Peterson said. Bits of glass had to be removed from his face, and he required dozens of stitches to reattached his nose and close a bleeding wound on his chin.

“This person, who apparently is an E.R. doctor got out of his car, [but] as far as I remember didn’t offer me any medical assistance,” Peterson said in a telephone interview Monday.

Thompson did not immediately return a message left on his private voicemail.

Mandeville Canyon residents and cyclists usually get along, but Peterson and other riders admit there are occasional road-sharing disputes.


Big cycling destination here in Los Angeles. I bet it wouldn't be far fetched to say that this hill road gets hit with hundreds of cylists on the weekends. I'm not excusing his actions, but who knows what these residents have to put up with weekend after weekend. Though how you could move there and not know about the cyclists is beyond me. It's a bit like people who live at the beach complaining about parking.

Regarding the incident reported this morning where a one Dr. Christopher Thompson*, a 58-year-old emergency room physician and resident of the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood, was involved in an alleged road rage incident between two bicyclists, Christian Stoehr and Ron Peterson, on Mandeville Canyon Rd. in Brentwood, there have been some updates.

"Captain Eaton, the commanding officer of the West LA station, reports that LAPD believes this was indeed a 'road rage' incident, made an arrest, and is handling the matter as a felony criminal assault, and not as a traffic collision," explained Mike Bonin, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, in a comment that was verified this morning. "The investigation will be handled by [West Los Angeles division] Detectives, who are seeking a criminal filing. When LAPD updates us on the progress, I will be sure to share that information here."

Big cycling destination here in Los Angeles. I bet it wouldn't be far fetched to say that this hill road gets hit with hundreds of cylists on the weekends. I'm not excusing his actions, but who knows what these residents have to put up with weekend after weekend. Though how you could move there and not know about the cyclists is beyond me. It's a bit like people who live at the beach complaining about parking.

"Put up with"? :rolleyes:

"Put up with"? :rolleyes:

I misspoke and was unaware of the extent of the assault.

i think they ought to consider attempted murder, especially since he is a er physician and has ample knowledge of MVAs

“My bike hit the trunk of his car, and that launched me almost through the back window,” Peterson said.

http://www.kfi640.com/cc-common/mlib/616/07/616_1215477789.jpg
:eek::eek::eek:

“This person, who apparently is an E.R. doctor got out of his car, [but] as far as I remember didn’t offer me any medical assistance,” Peterson said in a telephone interview Monday.

I don't know what the laws are in California, but a nurse in Mississippi once told me that she is required by law to stop and offer assistance when she comes across the scene of an accident. Perhaps this doctor will be facing more than just assault charges.

A doctor faces felony assault with a deadly weapon charges after he allegedly – intentionally – caused a collision with two bicyclists in Mandeville Canyon.

No real surprise. This was bound to happen. My Pops taught medical students for 35 years, most were good people, but a few nuts will slip through the cracks...that happens in every profession...

Maybe this Dr. can rebuild his reputation by serving a few years with Doctors Without Borders.

He might lose his license to practice as a Dr after this.

I think the Dr was crossing his fingers when he got to the "do no harm" part of the Hippocratic oath.

He might lose his license to practice as a Dr after this.

maybe not. He probably doesn't have a legal duty to act.

...that said, he's going to get creamed in civil court.

maybe not. He probably doesn't have a legal duty to act.

...that said, he's going to get creamed in civil court.

But a felon cannot hold a medical license in the state of Florida. Probably in most states. If he cannot get this dropped to a misdemeanor, he won't have a license. That being said, I understand that he owns his own company and may no longer practice.

i hope this loser ends up homeless and unemployable after he gets out of jail...

The LA Times has a more in-depth article on this attack:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bike9-2008jul09,0,6023414.story

The depressing and upsetting part of this article is the hate and ignorance displayed in the comments section. Apparently assault is a justifiable response to delaying a motorist in most people's mind.

i hope this loser ends up homeless and unemployable after he gets out of jail...

Why so punitive? The guy obviously has ability. It is better for all of us that he remain a productive citizen and pay a whole bunch of TAXES. I just hope that he can rehabilitate and mend his evil ways after paying the appropriate restitution.

The LA Times has a more in-depth article on this attack:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bike9-2008jul09,0,6023414.story

The depressing and upsetting part of this article is the hate and ignorance displayed in the comments section. Apparently assault is a justifiable response to delaying a motorist in most people's mind.

that's why i usually never read the comments section. it's always the same comments over and over again. it's like people are just waiting for an opportunity to air their prejudices.

i think this was a case of cyclists self righteousness and they paid for it

i think this was a case of cyclists self righteousness and they paid for it

Why do you think the cyclists were "self righteous"?

5000$ bike was a dead giveaway not to mention i had to "jake brake" a bunch of roadies to the right of the road this morning. i radioed to the cops and let them deal with the bs.

I've put a lot of miles in on Mandeville Canyon Rd. It is a perfect hill for intervals with a steady gentle 5 mile climb. But coming down the hill is 35mph+ with no braking ever needed, except for the two stop signs. Cyclists love it, hence the problems. This was an act of malice, and to read the comments section of the LA Times article, the riders got what they deserved. Makes me a little scared to knowing that as I ride among these people daily, that they see me as an impediment and canon fodder.

My friends would have had the driver looking worse than me by the time help arrived

i think they ought to consider attempted murder, especially since he is a er physician and has ample knowledge of MVAs

Here's another reason why that profession has earned the title of croaker.

5000$ bike was a dead giveaway not to mention i had to "jake brake" a bunch of roadies to the right of the road this morning. i radioed to the cops and let them deal with the bs.

Thanks for the reply. I had to do a Google search for Jake Brake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_brake). When you say "i had to 'jake brake' a bunch of roadies to the right of the road", do you mean you somehow used engine braking on your large truck or semi, to change the position of the road bikers resulting in them being further to the right of the road?

I love it when potential defendants admit wrongdoing on public fora. It's fun! I'm tracking a defendant at the moment, collecting interesting statements online. Doesn't know he's a defendant yet. Soon that magic process server fellow will arrive, then we'll see how smart online statements are.

Thanks for the reply. I had to do a Google search for Jake Brake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_brake). When you say "i had to 'jake brake' a bunch of roadies to the right of the road", do you mean you somehow used engine braking on your large truck or semi, to change the position of the road bikers resulting in them being further to the right of the road?

its a 4 lane downhill road and they were on both lanes on a 40 mph road i was coming up on the left. i beeped the street level horn then air horns and no response i proceeded downhill. there isnt a engine braking prohibited sign so i used the engine brake to get them out of the way once i made my pass i saw them move back into the lane so i did the civil thing and alerted the police. the other driver ran into them around 6pm today hes driving my old rig he did something worse but according to him was hilarious, he used the Nathan and they stopped cold on their tracks.

Thanks for the reply. I had to do a Google search for Jake Brake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_brake). When you say "i had to 'jake brake' a bunch of roadies to the right of the road", do you mean you somehow used engine braking on your large truck or semi, to change the position of the road bikers resulting in them being further to the right of the road?

I'm guessing he meant he used the sound to scare them out of his way. Jake brakes are LOUD. I've been through small communities that have signs posted on the highway which say "Use of Jake Brakes Prohibited" because the noise is so unpleasant to people who live near the highway.

I believe the California prison systems is in constant need of professionals in their health care system. Dr. Thompson would make a wonderful addition, not only to the inmate population, but their health care needs. I do believe an anger management program be completed prior to his involvement in patient care. Seems he, as well as other contributors to his posting, have deep seated issues that need to be addressed. Thinking you have the right to punish other road users that upset you is lunacy plain and simple.

Additional info: http://laist.com/2008/07/07/road_rage_motorist_vs_cyclists_on_m.php

its a 4 lane downhill road and they were on both lanes on a 40 mph road i was coming up on the left. i beeped the street level horn then air horns and no response i proceeded downhill. there isnt a engine braking prohibited sign so i used the engine brake to get them out of the way once i made my pass i saw them move back into the lane so i did the civil thing and alerted the police. the other driver ran into them around 6pm today hes driving my old rig he did something worse but according to him was hilarious, he used the Nathan and they stopped cold on their tracks.

You were doing well, right up to 'Nathan'. Then I had to do yet another Google search. Looks like you are referring to a train horn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_horn) from Nathan Manufacturing Inc. (http://www.progressiverailroading.com/freightnews/article.asp?id=2991) - are these legal on road trucks where you are?

Incredible, but it's sadly not shocking. Let's hope the good doctor gets what he deserves .... if the stories are correct, of course. :bike:

... Brad

"This isn't the first time that there's been an incident like this." says Ron. "In fact two cyclists from LAGrange were recently run off the road by a motorist who fits the same description as this one. They reported it but no charges were filed. Same road, same situation. We've got to work together to prosecute this guy to the full extent of the law before he kills somebody!":notamused:

i think this was a case of cyclists self righteousness and they paid for it

I think you need to go back and read the article again. Unless you think that vehicular assault is a valid response to a cyclist delaying you for a second.

Why so punitive?

It probably has something to do with an action that should rightly be considered attempted murder.

Some folks get soooo touchy when other people try to kill them...

I hope this cretin gets a good long sentence in the big house with the appropriate bunkmate.

Since it was only a pair of cyclists he tried to kill, I'm not holding my breath.

You were doing well, right up to 'Nathan'. Then I had to do yet another Google search. Looks like you are referring to a train horn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_horn) from Nathan Manufacturing Inc. (http://www.progressiverailroading.com/freightnews/article.asp?id=2991) - are these legal on road trucks where you are?
theyre not legal the police usually looks the other way when theyre used. they are VERY LOUD and very effective against anything on the road especially moose and people who dont yield to faster moving vehicles which is the reason my bike has a set of cheap truck horns to clear the peds that like to walk 4 abreast on the mup

theyre not legal the police usually looks the other way when theyre used. they are VERY LOUD and very effective against anything on the road especially moose and people who dont yield to faster moving vehicles which is the reason my bike has a set of cheap truck horns to clear the peds that like to walk 4 abreast on the mup

Perhaps you'd use your horns less if you remember that it's the other way around. Going faster does not give you the right of way.

5000$ bike was a dead giveaway not to mention i had to "jake brake" a bunch of roadies to the right of the road this morning. i radioed to the cops and let them deal with the bs.Oh, so the cyclists you encountered this morning tell you everything you need to know about an assault on some completely different cyclists somewhere else.

Yep, that makes sense. :rolleyes:

its a 4 lane downhill road and they were on both lanes on a 40 mph road i was coming up on the left. i beeped the street level horn then air horns and no response i proceeded downhill. there isnt a engine braking prohibited sign so i used the engine brake to get them out of the way once i made my pass i saw them move back into the lane so i did the civil thing and alerted the police. the other driver ran into them around 6pm today hes driving my old rig he did something worse but according to him was hilarious, he used the Nathan and they stopped cold on their tracks.I assume they were in violation of the vehicle code, and you weren't?

'i did the civil thing and alerted the police' :rolleyes:

road rage is reptilian.

No real surprise. This was bound to happen. My Pops taught medical students for 35 years, most were good people, but a few nuts will slip through the cracks...that happens in every profession...

Maybe this Dr. can rebuild his reputation by serving a few years with Doctors Without Borders.




I'm thinking the "Doctors Behind Bars Program" would be of greater benefit.....

He was charged with "assault with a deadly weapon" or whatever--great--but then released on $30,000 bail? This for a guy with a reported history of running cyclists off the road, who had been previously visited by police over the same kind of action. I don't know the LA area, but is $30k reasonable bail for an assault case? It's a shame they didn't make bail higher so he could spend some time in jail, pre trial. Then again, he's a Dr., so probably able to pay or arrange for as much bail as needed...

He was charged with "assault with a deadly weapon" or whatever--great--but then released on $30,000 bail? This for a guy with a reported history of running cyclists off the road, who had been previously visited by police over the same kind of action. I don't know the LA area, but is $30k reasonable bail for an assault case? It's a shame they didn't make bail higher so he could spend some time in jail, pre trial. Then again, he's a Dr., so probably able to pay or arrange for as much bail as needed...

You hit the nail on the head. If you take the bicycle out of the equation, that doctor would be in jail right now awaiting trial for attempted murder. My guess is that they guy walks with a slap on the wrist.

... Brad

"Doctors Behind Bars Program"

Turkish prison?

How do I get a Nathan for my bike? :)

5000$ bike was a dead giveaway not to mention i had to "jake brake" a bunch of roadies to the right of the road this morning. i radioed to the cops and let them deal with the bs.

If you did anything to force a bike/bikes to the side of the road you should be in jail. If by the fact that you use the term jake brake you mean that you were in a truck, you should also lose your CDL

theyre not legal the police usually looks the other way when theyre used. they are VERY LOUD and very effective against anything on the road especially moose and people who dont yield to faster moving vehicles which is the reason my bike has a set of cheap truck horns to clear the peds that like to walk 4 abreast on the mup

You're a real asset to the community.:rolleyes:

i think this was a case of cyclists self righteousness and they paid for it


5000$ bike was a dead giveaway not to mention i had to "jake brake" a bunch of roadies to the right of the road this morning. i radioed to the cops and let them deal with the bs.

Do you realize you come off just as "self righteous" as the self righteous cyclists you so despise, or was that deliberate?

its a 4 lane downhill road and they were on both lanes on a 40 mph road i was coming up on the left. i beeped the street level horn then air horns and no response i proceeded downhill. there isnt a engine braking prohibited sign so i used the engine brake to get them out of the way once i made my pass i saw them move back into the lane so i did the civil thing and alerted the police. the other driver ran into them around 6pm today hes driving my old rig he did something worse but according to him was hilarious, he used the Nathan and they stopped cold on their tracks.

http://www.northernsun.com/images/thumb/5055.jpg

sledbikes is a garden variety troll just trying to get a rise out of us. pay no attention.

i got called to the PD told my side of the story my buddy got a burger ticket for using the horn the bikers were cited for failing to yield


so ha

http://www.northernsun.com/images/thumb/5055.jpg
were the ones keeping the economy going with out us theres no one to deliver bikes to bike shops, keep that in mind.