Motorist charged with attempted murder after retired police officer knocked off bike
Cyclist left with a broken arm, broken leg, and a fractured pelvis after incident
A motorist in the US state of Illinois has been charged with attempted murder after a former police officer suffered serious injuries after being knocked off his bike on Tuesday.
Andrew Tolle, 61, was found with a broken arm, broken leg, and a fractured pelvis, injuries that Knox County Assistant State’s Attorney Sabrina Stroops said Mr Tolle sustained after being hit by Jacqueline J. Wells.
>>> Van driver filmed forcing cyclist off road is sacked by company
As the Galesburg Register-Mail reports, Ms Stroops told the court how Ms Wells had come up behind MrTolle, honked at him and pulled her car alongside him, before dropping back and knocking him off his bike.
According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, Mr Tolle told police how he had been riding his bike when a red Jeep pulled alongside him and a woman started making obscene gestures.
Mr Tolle said that the Jeep then rammed him twice, knocking him off his bike, and ran him over before driving away.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
As well as being charged with attempted murder, Ms Wells has also been charged with four counts of aggravated battery, aggravated reckless driving, failing to stop after having an accident involving personal injury or death, driving under the influence of alcohol, and a number of minor traffic offences.
Ms Wells reportedly yelled continuously at Judge Bruce Beal as he read out the charges, and will now be subject to a mental health assessment before her next court appearance.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.