In a shocking and heartless incident that has stunned the Detroit community, a driver deliberately ran over a bicyclist and then posted a video of the horrifying act on social media. The event occurred on Detroit’s east side last Thursday morning, specifically near Edgewood and Isham.
The Detroit Police Department (DPD) has confirmed that this was not an accident but a deliberate act of violence, and they are currently investigating the incident.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident began when the driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, decided to film his actions while driving. The video, which was later posted on Instagram, shows the driver aiming his vehicle directly at a man riding a bicycle.
Without any attempt to avoid the collision, the driver struck the bicyclist with full force, knocking him off the bike and onto the ground. The impact was so severe that the bicyclist was left lying motionless, with his shoes scattered at the scene.
Eyewitnesses and fellow bicyclists who frequent the area were horrified by the driver’s actions. One such individual, Randall Cousins, who rides his bike on the same route daily, expressed his disbelief at the cold-heartedness of the act. “I think the person didn’t even try to avoid them,” said Cousins, highlighting the callous nature of the driver’s actions. “They have no conscience and don’t care,” he added, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the community.
Social Media for Clout
What makes this incident even more disturbing is that the driver did not stop to check on the condition of the injured bicyclist. Instead, he chose to post the video on Instagram, seemingly for clout. The driver then hit another car, which was not captured in the video, before speeding away from the scene.
This has led to speculation that the incident might be related to one of the many dangerous trends that have emerged on social media platforms like TikTok. However, Commander John Savak of the Detroit Police Department stated that after checking with neighboring police agencies, they have not seen anything like this, suggesting that this might be an isolated incident.
Police Investigation and Response
The Detroit Police Department has launched a full investigation into the incident. They have identified the driver and are currently in the process of securing warrants to search his social media accounts. The driver, aware of the impending investigation, has since wiped his social media presence in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Despite this, the DPD is confident that the perpetrator will not get away with his actions.
Commander Savak emphasized that the police have been working diligently to track down the suspect and bring him to justice. “They’ve secured those warrants. They know who it is, at least the profile. It’s just a matter of time,” he stated. The DPD has reassured the public that they are committed to ensuring that justice is served.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among Detroit’s bicycling community. The east side of Detroit, where the incident occurred, is known for being a particularly challenging area for cyclists. Cousins, who regularly rides in the area, described the difficulties faced by cyclists in the neighborhood. “It’s tough to navigate a bike safely.
Too many close calls to count. Over here, for some reason, they speed, don’t care, honk their horns, cuss you out,” he said, painting a grim picture of the reality faced by bicyclists in the area.
The attack has also highlighted the broader issue of road safety for cyclists in Detroit. Many cyclists in the area have reported frequent close calls with reckless drivers who show little regard for their safety. The incident has intensified calls for better protection and more stringent laws to safeguard vulnerable road users like bicyclists.
Conclusion
This disturbing incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that bicyclists face on the road, especially in areas where drivers may be less mindful of their presence. The deliberate nature of the attack and the subsequent posting of the video online have shocked the Detroit community and beyond.
As the Detroit Police Department continues its investigation, the hope is that justice will be swiftly served, and that this incident will lead to increased awareness and action to protect bicyclists and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
