Waxhaw, About that shotgun incident
On Wednesday, April 7th, cyclists on a training ride had an encounter with a motorist. While riding in single file on Old Waxhaw Monroe Rd, a rider pulled out to drop back, apparently impeding traffic. A motorist driving a pick-up truck pulled along side the group and words were exchanged. The motorist allegedly swerved close into the group causing one rider to wreck. The motorist allegedly then cut close and tight in front of the group and slammed on the brakes causing a near wreck. The motorist allegedly slammed on the brakes one more time before speeding off. As the riders approached Waxhaw Elementary the man allegedly came out from a house across from the school wielding a shotgun. The group pulled into the school and a single rider confronted the man. The conflict ended without further incident. Law/legal involvement is unknown.
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This is a popular road in a popular town for cyclists. Waxhaw Elementary serves as a starting point for weekly rides and at least one organized charity ride.
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April 15, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Sounds like our old friend…Was it a red Dodge. If so, this isn’t the first time his rage at cyclists has been shown in very dangerous ways. The town officials need to address this person or we will be attending someone’s funeral. His anger is escalating. This is the fourth run in that area cyclists have had with him (that I know of) and each time his actions get worse. He’s gone from buzzing pace lines to forcing cyclist off the road and now to waving shotguns. What is the Waxhaw law going to do?
April 18, 2010 at 4:59 pm
This really makes me exceptionally sad. We are just mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons out trying to get in shape, enjoy God’s country and train for charity rides. My husband was hit by a careless driver several years ago. Although he is now completely recovered, I don’t want any other wife to have to go through the agony of seeing her spouse lying on the side of the road.
We just want respect and the freedom to enjoy the hobby we have chosen. We will do our part to respect drivers on the road – but it has to be a two way street. For those that buzz us off the roads and wave firearms at us – they need the police to intervene. Please keep the streets safe for all the tax-paying, law-abiding cyclists out here in Waxhaw.
April 22, 2010 at 10:19 am
It is my understanding that the police were not contacted in connection with this incident. Why? There should be a police report for every incident like this. As we learned from the Dr. Thompson case in California, establishing (recording) a pattern of behavior for guys like this is important. Sure, he might not be punished for your particular run in with him, but when he finally crosses the line (and this guy will) seriously injuring or killing someone, there will be a record of incidents to help prove it was no accident.