VPD say Facebook photos of alleged road rage incident paint ‘an incomplete picture’

The Vancouver Police say photos circulating on Facebook of an alleged road rage incident between a cyclist and a motorist appear to paint an incomplete picture of what happened.

On Jan. 24, just after 4 p.m., police were called to Dunsmuir and Burrard Street for an altercation between the two men.

When the officers arrived, after about 13 minutes, the men had already been separated and were waiting to speak to the officers. Police say they spoke to both men and a number of witnesses and concluded the fight had been the result of a disagreement over the use of a bike lane.

Witnesses told police the cyclist was in the roadway and was cut off by the motorist, which caused the cyclist to fall off of his bike, but no contact was made between the cyclist and the vehicle.

The cyclist then allegedly attempted to damage the motorist’s car, reaching into the car and throwing property belonging to the motorist all over the road.

Witnesses saw the motorist exit his car and a physical fight between the two men took place.

Police drove the cyclist to the hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released. At this time, after speaking to witnesses about the events leading up to and including the physical altercation, police say there is insufficient evidence to request a charge against either man.

A photo album was posted on Facebook under the heading ‘violent assault on cyclist in Vancouver‘. Police say this is unfortunate, and they take these incidents very seriously.

In the write-up it warns cyclists about the driver and states:

The assault was deemed to be a voluntary fight and police refused to press charges. Various witnesses came forward but the officers did not seem interested in taking statements. The officers then confiscated the various business cards given to Edward by witnesses (one of which was stained with his blood) and let the driver go as they had already decided that the altercation was a “voluntary fight”.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: The assault was deemed to be a voluntary fight and police refused to press charges. Various witnesses came forward but the officers did not seem interested in taking statements. The officers then confiscated the various business cards given to Edward by witnesses (one of which was stained with his blood) and let the driver go as they had already decided that the altercation was a "voluntary fight".

The photographs will be forwarded to investigators to ensure all aspects of the investigation have been exhausted.

Here are a sample of photos: