Mandeville Verdict is in....
Thread started by
Roadblock at 11.2.09 - 2:21 pm
3pm we're on our way to the courthouse!
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A guilty verdict usually comes back this fast. Let's hope...
skd11.2.09 - 2:47 pm
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http://redkiteprayer.com/?p=1136
Words from a friend of mine in the media.
He has "been" there the whole time. He has also ridden with both riders in question numerous times.
parlorbikes11.2.09 - 2:55 pm
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Inside court room. Everyone is getting settled....
Roadblock responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
11.2.09 - 3:07 pm
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RB,
Did you get in touch with that reporter who's info we sent you?
daymen responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:09 pm
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They came back real fast, it will be interesting what the verdict is and if guilty the sentence.
Garmin6411.2.09 - 3:13 pm
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damn... the suspense is killing me!
snowcone11.2.09 - 3:25 pm
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If you guys got gods, please start praying to them now................
User111.2.09 - 3:25 pm
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what do you think that's all about?
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:25 pm
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Yes. Thanks for passing on the info. Both Danny and I met with her already and will give a statement after the verdict.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by daymen
11.2.09 - 3:25 pm
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Maybe he was offered a plea deal??? Hopefully if its a guilty verdict it will be enough to lose his medical license. I'm curious as to why he is no longer employed by the Beverly Hospital.
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 3:28 pm
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because he broke a Hippocratic oath?
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by Garmin64
11.2.09 - 3:30 pm
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I read that he moved to Oklahoma and sold his house. Couldn't be at BH anymore...
daymen responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 3:31 pm
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Nothing. The Last trial was wrapping up some bidnezz. They are taking a break and now preparing for the jury And defendant to enter. I'm flanked by DjWheels, Ron Peterson, and Thompson's wife.....
Roadblock responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 3:31 pm
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Breaking his oath for starters. You have to wonder given that he had three separate road rage incidents how he treated the people he worked with.
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 3:32 pm
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wasn't the deal with your guy going down today, too?
la duderina responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:33 pm
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i bet the judge needed a potty break now too.. huh?
WHAT'S THE WORD???
snowcone11.2.09 - 3:37 pm
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bad time to plug a ride?
barleye responding to a
comment by toweliesbong
11.2.09 - 3:39 pm
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Count 1: guilty
count 2: guilty
count 3: guilty
count 4: guilty
count 5: guilty
count 6: guilty
count 7: guilty
Roadblock11.2.09 - 3:39 pm
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We'll be right back after thess messages!
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by barleye
11.2.09 - 3:40 pm
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RWNN 1 year anniversary ride 11/20/09
ride on!!!!
barleye responding to a
comment by toweliesbong
11.2.09 - 3:41 pm
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Justice is motha fucking served!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roadblock11.2.09 - 3:41 pm
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Holy shit. thank gd. damn.
I forgot that this was going down to day, I've had to distract myself with the bikepolo.ca forums to avoid compulsively clicking the refresh button and doing nothign else for the past half hour.
danya responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:41 pm
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is sentencing today?
probation or jail time?
it IS sorta a non violent offense...not rape or armed robbery....what do ya'll think?
jails are overcrowded....
barleye responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:42 pm
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And they're several felonies. He's going to definitely serve time, right?
toweliesbong11.2.09 - 3:42 pm
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I can't find a list of all the charges, two of them were felony counts for reckless driving. Felony convictions should involve jail time.
Garmin6411.2.09 - 3:42 pm
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i just shat my pants... that was exciting
snowcone11.2.09 - 3:43 pm
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your hair's a felony.
barleye responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
11.2.09 - 3:45 pm
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Dr. Death is crying. I'm about to cry too. But my tears are Tears of joy.
Roadblock11.2.09 - 3:45 pm
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What were all the charges they found him guilty on?
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:45 pm
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Wow, awesome great news! Thanks for being there & reporting. Next best thing to being there myself.
mr rollers11.2.09 - 3:46 pm
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i ate too much barleye... all that fiber...
snowcone responding to a
comment by barleye
11.2.09 - 3:46 pm
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Sentencing in most such cases is usually set for a later date.
mr rollers11.2.09 - 3:47 pm
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He won't be getting off with community service with six felony convictions. Can his lawyers appeal the verdict?
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
11.2.09 - 3:47 pm
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fuck yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
d-styles11.2.09 - 3:48 pm
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Appeal coming in 5......4.....3......2.....
Let's hope I'm wrong.
dudeonabike11.2.09 - 3:48 pm
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That is awesome, how long until we know the sentence?
thegodofthor11.2.09 - 3:48 pm
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GUILTY!!!!!!!
VeloNews.com: Dr. Thompson guilt on all counts in Mandeville Canyon LA #roadrage trial http://bit.ly/4DUuKX
Drew11.2.09 - 3:48 pm
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I am sure they will try an appeal.....on what grounds who knows.
Foldie responding to a
comment by dudeonabike
11.2.09 - 3:49 pm
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It's hard to contemplate what an idiot this guy dr. Christopher Thomas Thompson is.... The guy threw away his whole pumped out life because he couldn't get over that some cyclists got in his way? Fucking dumbass.
Roadblock11.2.09 - 3:50 pm
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This also creates legal precedence so if this happens to someone else, god forbid, they have case law.
Garmin6411.2.09 - 3:51 pm
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The defense asked that hr be released on bail.... The judge refused. He is being cuffed and refused bail!!!!! Yes yes yes.
Roadblock11.2.09 - 3:53 pm
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He did it three separate times, each time got worse he knew what he was doing and thought he could get away with. Doctors especially ER doctors who deal in life and death patients can develop a god complex, which can lead to a tendency to intimidate people. Prison is not a safe place to be, his attitude will change real fast after his first encounter with someone who has been a regular guest of the state.
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:55 pm
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FUCK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damn I wish I could be there! Would have loved to see that fucker crying! He deserves everything he's getting!
I wana be there for sentencing, but I'm sure there will be an appeal made.
I hope someone got video of Dr. Death leaving court today!
User111.2.09 - 3:56 pm
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woah! hell yeah... cyclists are people too!
snowcone responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:56 pm
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It's certainly good news, and hopefully will light a fire under the DA's office to investigate and bring more of these charges, but trial court opinions don't make state case law. Now if there is an appeal+published opinion, that is a whole different ball game (or whole different bike ride, chose your metaphor).
dudeonabike responding to a
comment by Garmin64
11.2.09 - 3:57 pm
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This gets better by the second, I'm guessing the judge is trying to take this guy down a couple of notches. He's not going to like being on the receiving end of a cavity search.
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:57 pm
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I just jizzed all over my keyboard!
User1 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:57 pm
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One of the things that really struck me was reading that the speed limit on that road is 30 mph and that the cyclists were travelling at 30 mph (according to their GPS units, remember that these are high tech roadie guys) and yet Thompson felt like they were "in his way" and he needed to pass them by exceeding the speed limit. Once again ,why?
mr rollers responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 3:57 pm
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2 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (245a) 2 counts of Battery with Serious Bodily Injury (243d) reckless driving (23103a) and reckless driving causing specified injury (23105a) and Mayhem (203)
SoapBoxLA11.2.09 - 3:59 pm
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mayhem? what a strange crime....
snowcone responding to a
comment by SoapBoxLA
11.2.09 - 4:00 pm
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Thats going to be hard to explain why your in prison to the other convicts.
thegodofthor11.2.09 - 4:00 pm
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Welcome to MR Garmin64. We hope you enjoy your time here.
User1 responding to a
comment by Garmin64
11.2.09 - 4:01 pm
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@mr rollers: the speed limit should never ever be a factor in determining whether a vehicle is operating safely or moving at the speed of traffic.
stevestevesteve responding to a
comment by mr rollers
11.2.09 - 4:02 pm
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well im glad justice was served. But at the same time, I'm sure he regrets what he did, and I do hope he can return to normal life eventually.
filmillr11.2.09 - 4:02 pm
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Yeah, I fully understand that. It just strikes me as further evidence that this guy felt that he was above the law and could get away with whatever he wanted to do.
mr rollers responding to a
comment by stevestevesteve
11.2.09 - 4:04 pm
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well...i think now we can be sure, hes not going take that road again.
filmillr11.2.09 - 4:06 pm
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Who can chime in re what happens to one medical license when you're convicted of counts like that? I say forced labor: must provide lifetime of free medical services to any injured cyclists. Or maybe take some of that hard-earned cash, start a fund for a downed-cyclist emergency clinic? Or howabout fund a health insurance trust for bike messengers? Dreaming . . . .
dudeonabike11.2.09 - 4:06 pm
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Not only that, but the whole Mandeville canyon road is a double solid yellow line. That means that you can't cross it, unless you are pulling into a driveway.
User1 responding to a
comment by mr rollers
11.2.09 - 4:07 pm
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operate a pedicab and haul cyclists around on Crank Mob...all night long!
SoapBoxLA11.2.09 - 4:07 pm
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stephen that's a great idea.
skd responding to a
comment by SoapBoxLA
11.2.09 - 4:10 pm
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But seriously, now that he's been convicted, the proper people can put in an appeal to the California licensing body and have his medical license revoked. Once there's a charge on file, it's a fairly simple process, someone just has to initiate it.
danya responding to a
comment by dudeonabike
11.2.09 - 4:12 pm
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Something tells me that just might happen in this case ... now, where'd I put that form . . . hmmmmm....
dudeonabike responding to a
comment by danya
11.2.09 - 4:13 pm
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RT @ohaijoe: 5 years of operating the Grilled Cheese Bike trailer at Critical Mass
dudeonabike11.2.09 - 4:15 pm
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via DJWheels - sentencing will be in a couple of weeks, Dr. Thompson faces up to 10 years, was remanded into custody.
SoapBoxLA11.2.09 - 4:16 pm
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http://www.velonews.com/article/99800 said he faces up to 5 years.
One thing that was great was that the charges he faced today originate from the other incidents. So that means that hes going to be fighting cases in civil court with more than two riders.
User111.2.09 - 4:25 pm
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crazy,,,
telling my boss... what a way to go out... all those years, all the dough, and this is what it came to?
Fuck... if you hate cyclist...
Hate cyclist? Its so weird. Of all the things to point to in the world that cause issues.
But at the end of the day... what a pussy. I bet he had views on L.A. gangs, but doubt he had balls to teach them a lesson. He couldnt even get out of his car and confront riders.
I really dislike the notion of jail/prison. So I dont share in the overall excitement... but, hopefully this gets enough attention... and lets hope they dont highlight this as JUST a case of road rage, but also help spread the word to: SHARE THE ROAD... it belongs to cyclist too.
md211.2.09 - 4:25 pm
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HE'S ON HIS WAY TO TEHACHAPI, LEVEL ONE, COUNTRY CLUB SHIT.
eddieboyinla11.2.09 - 4:30 pm
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Los Angeles cyclist should donate money to his account while in prison. Help him buy top ramon and cigarettes.
you know... just to remind him that we know where he is at, while were out cycling.. maybe do a ride to his house...
does he have children or wife or boyfriend or girlfriend? invite them on a ride...convert them? So many great options
md2 responding to a
comment by spiraldemon
11.2.09 - 4:37 pm
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"I really dislike the notion of jail/prison. So I dont share in the overall excitement..."
agreed
filmillr11.2.09 - 4:38 pm
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He's already being sued in Federal Court by the guy who smashed through the rear window. Lawsuit was filed last Friday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZyuOu30N1NSJEhA0clIAAucwRTgD9BLH3SG0
jegesq11.2.09 - 4:46 pm
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And a big thanks and congratulations to Deputy DA Mary Stone for her hard work on this case. Sounds like she kicked some a**.
dudeonabike11.2.09 - 4:48 pm
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yeah... Im not sure what the whole prison = justice idea amounts to.
we put people there... and thats how it goes. If thats how its gonna be... well... fuck... i guess its time to cheer.
I just get this sense that prison is a kind of scape goat for society. We employ, hire others to do the dirty work in prisons. Not only that... but pretty 12 people out of a given area get to determine the fate of a person (in one sense). Thats unsettling for many reasons.
None of this is to make light of the actions by this dude, let alone how lucky he is for not killing a rider. Its almost attempted murder.
Crazy world.
Justice was served in finding/ holding this guy accountable for the actions. I just cant say justice is served when we throw people into our prison system -- thats a different story.
In some sense, Im not sure what Im happy about.
md2 responding to a
comment by filmillr
11.2.09 - 4:49 pm
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I somehow concur. I think it just means that a lot of you are compassionate individuals.
Joe Borfo11.2.09 - 4:57 pm
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yeah well put....
I mean this guy surely deserves to have his life adjusted. But prison? for years? plus being sued?
I mean his entire life is being thrown away, party because of his own actions, party because of court actions.
I don't feel his entire life long work and pay should be obliterated over this incident.
But then again....what do I know, I'm not him, nor the cyclist. But I am a person who feels compassion for ANY person in distress. Because well..I've most likely been in that situation in one form or another.
filmillr11.2.09 - 5:06 pm
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its one of those weird issues about being a human being and having to live amongst others.
The natural response: what if you were the victim md2?
Well, I dont know... honestly. Am I a compassionate dude? If you ask some... you might get a... i guess so... he's kind of weird.
if the prison system was used for individuals that were threats, clearly threats, to a given society... so much so that removing them from that society is the only option (ignoring that the prison is usually found in that society), then I guess I would feel a bit better.
But we put all kinds of people in jail... fuck -- unpaid tickets? really.
But not to go too far on a tangent. If we're saying this: whooo-hoooo, this guy is going to serve time!!! Yesssss.
What does that really say about us? Thats the question I ask myself when thinking about my response to people being punished. I honestly dont have a clear answer to it. If I were the victim, I might feel/think differently. But at the end of the day... I still have to wonder-- Why I am happy about this?
I get to go home and forget this really happened. I get to wake up just as usual, and Dr. Rage will wake up completely differently.
Clearly, essentially, is this not what we mean by justice being served?
He gave up his rights to live like the rest of us. And we assume, he did this of his own volition. Yet are there other ways to create a similar experience, rather than create a prison system? You can ruin a persons life in many ways... and his life is probably ruined til he dies... whether in prison or not (well maybe).
Still... whats missing here? Or is everything fine?
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 5:09 pm
reply
im all for compassion, but the bad choices he made put him in this position. it wasnt like hes being thrown in prison for stealing food to feed his 12 kids or something drastic like that.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by filmillr
11.2.09 - 5:09 pm
reply
meant to say:
**Clearly, essentially, is this what we mean by justice being served?
md211.2.09 - 5:11 pm
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Yeah maybe if this was one incident and he lost his cool, I might have some sympathy. But this guy escalated his actions each time. My sympathy goes out to the riders he's caused damaged to. I hope they can still fulfill their dreams.
Also one channel is reporting he's facing 5 years, another channel is saying it's 10. I hope it's 10!
User1 responding to a
comment by filmillr
11.2.09 - 5:12 pm
reply
right...
i mean, he knew the potential and still acted.
And sometimes we characterize it that simply. Im with you on this...
What he did was very dangerous and threatening to society (i.e. a given individuals freedom to exist for the most part). He is very much a dangerous person... from what we can read.
md2 responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
11.2.09 - 5:13 pm
reply
Dr. T. needs to be held accountable for his actions. I am not one to decide what sort of punishment he should face. But, he should face whatever sentencing that will be given to him because this is the type of system that we have agreed upon and so therefore we need to accept it.
I don't know if this will make him change as a person. Perhaps it will make him even more callous towards cyclists in the future.
"Justice" has been served. Let us enjoy the fact that this case will be a benefit in representing the rights of cyclists and may promote a change in thinking towards those who think about attacking riders in road rage situations.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by md2
11.2.09 - 5:17 pm
reply
I get where some of you are coming from on the questioning of prison time. But the fact of the matter is you shoot someone with a gun you are criminal, hit someone with a car and it is a blameless incident even if evidence suggests otherwise, at least usually, but this case flips it around for a change. I do not celebrate that the doctor goes to jail so much as I celebrate that the use of a car as a weapon is being treated as a weapon by the justice system, and that is a necessary distinction if we are to make the road safe for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Reforming the process by which we deal with criminals of various levels is another matter of debate, but currently 40,000 Americans die by automobile every year, several times that of annual murders and more than we have lost in warfare in the past couple decades, so it is long overdo to treat automobile crimes, especially malicious and grossly negligent ones, on a comparable level to other acts that result in death.
GarySe7en11.2.09 - 5:21 pm
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The doctor used a car as a weapon to "teach a lesson". These cyclists could have been easily killed. You need to think of it this way, maybe this will be the lesson he needs to stop this behavior. Cause if this was a manslaughter or a murder case, he would be doing a lot more time. Its not like he got in a fist fight and accidentally broke some guys ribs or nose, he used a 4,000lbs machine to cause harm to people.
An E.R. doctor certainly knows the harm he can cause a cyclist with a car.
But, don't worry, this guy will probably be out within 2 years with good behavior.
thegodofthor responding to a
comment by filmillr
11.2.09 - 5:21 pm
reply
He really needs some anger management therapy.
Losing his medical and drivers licenses, and potentially having to pay his victims in a civil suit are pretty good punishment to me. He should be forced to commute by bike once he's out of jail.
toweliesbong11.2.09 - 5:21 pm
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"But, he should face whatever sentencing that will be given to him because this is the type of system that we have agreed upon and so therefore we need to accept it."
--I dont recall being there when this agreement took place. Did you agree to this? Some think its implicit to being a citizen (i.e. if you dont like it, you can find another society or form your own).
"Let us enjoy the fact that this case will be a benefit in representing the rights of cyclists and may promote a change in thinking towards those who think about attacking riders in road rage situations. "
--very true... as I said before... i hope the media attention gets the right message across about how to treat cyclist... not JUST some road rage incident
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 5:24 pm
reply
final post for the evening.
I keep reading the point about "change" on the end of the Dr. Road Rage. And maybe prison will make him think differently.
The problem... which is highly pointed to, is that prison doesnt always change people. Its a strange maybe to use as a basis for supporting such a system. I may be wrong... I just dont have a great answer.
Today, I honestly think its a good day for the cycling community.
Much respect to those that took interest in supporting the victims and showing up to court and the like.
Peace
md2 responding to a
comment by thegodofthor
11.2.09 - 5:28 pm
reply
There are aspects of the justice system that I can accept, but yeah I'm an anarchist at heart. I'm not sure. I don't see anything changing real soon.
Ok time to go chew on catnip.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by md2
11.2.09 - 5:28 pm
reply
"I do not celebrate that the doctor goes to jail so much as I celebrate that the use of a car as a weapon is being treated as a weapon by the justice system, and that is a necessary distinction if we are to make the road safe for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians."
<3 - agreed
What we should really be celebrating is an actual intelligent argument has taken place on these forums in this day and age.
ok I've said what i think and other have to, i respect other opinions and my own....what will happen is what will happen and lets ride some bikes!
filmillr11.2.09 - 5:32 pm
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I WOULD SUGGEST TO THE COURT TO HAVE HIM RIDE A HIPSTER BIKE (FIXIE) ,
DOWN THAT FUCKING HILL, WITH NO BREAKS,, AND LET ME, DRIVING THE CAR, IN FRONT OF HIM, SLAM ON THE BREAKS,
SO THAT I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF HIS FACE SMASHING
THROUGH THE REAR VIEW WINDOW.
THREE FUCKING TIMES !!!
NOW THAT'S JUSTICE.
eddieboyinla11.2.09 - 5:55 pm
reply
" mean this guy surely deserves to have his life adjusted. But prison? for years? plus being sued?
I mean his entire life is being thrown away, party because of his own actions, party because of court actions.
I don't feel his entire life long work and pay should be obliterated over this incident. "
If he had hit them with a baseball bat he would have been charged with using a weapon. In this case he deliberately chose to hit them with his car and stated that fact to 911 and to the police officer who took his statement. It was his choice to do this and now he has to live with it which may include prison and loss of his medical license.
Garmin64 responding to a
comment by filmillr
11.2.09 - 6:00 pm
reply
Seems like most of the news channels are reporting that he's looking at 10 years. Dec 3 will be sentencing. I would imagine there will be appeals upon appeals made before that date.
I wana send a thank you message to the DA. You couldn't have asked for a better out come. It's about time huh?
User111.2.09 - 6:31 pm
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I'm really confused as to why people are upset about this guy doing prison time. His actions severely injured 2 cyclists and could have killed them.
If he had shown the least bit of compassion or just flat out admitted he was wrong from the beginning, maybe I'd feel different. Instead, he lied.
So few are held accountable for their actions anymore. Nearly everyone denies anything and everything no matter how big or small. It's become a severe social problem. Deny deny deny.........
Bad decisions and bad actions SHOULD have consequences.
If you aren't supposed to do something, but there is no "OR ELSE" involved, then we'll all devolve into a Mad Max situation.
We all need to be accountable for our actions.
This guy maintained it was an accident, which was complete BUNK. He paid big bucks to play it that way and fortunately his stupid defense gambit failed and justice is being served.
I'm just pissed off his lawyers get rich when that money should have gone to the cyclists.
Without compunction - I say toss his sorry lying ass in jail......
Anyone feeling that way doesn't lack compassion, it just means we don't tolerate that kind of above the law immoral attitude.
End of rant......
Time to get ready to ride in full moon.......
dink6511.2.09 - 6:40 pm
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I think a really important thing here, above and beyond the fact that Justice has been Served - which is quite a lot, thank you very much - is what Garmin64 said earlier about this creating legal precedent. I'm constantly running into people who believe bikes have no right to be on the road. Some is malicious. Some is ignorance. I think it was duderina that said recently something about people not even knowing we have the legal right to on the road. Maybe this case will be a step in changing those perceptions.
Nurblie responding to a
comment by Garmin64
11.2.09 - 6:49 pm
reply
+100000000
this guy can rot in prison.
I mean I can't believe that there is any compassion for this road rager.
Let me ask to all you who think jail is too harsh a punishment... What would be the appropriate punishment in your mind!?
Better yet, what would serve as a proper deterrant so that this kind of thing never happens again?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by dink65
11.2.09 - 7:03 pm
reply
I don't think I've ever agreed with you more Allen.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by User1
11.2.09 - 7:05 pm
reply
I remember reading about this in the newspaper today. He said the cyclists were being douchebags and flipping him off etc etc.
palucha6611.2.09 - 7:18 pm
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I didn't get a chance to read this while I was in court. Hahahaha
I'm still just blown away at seeing this highly educated and successful person throw his life away like he did. I mean.... We should all be so lucky to have this guys life. He lived in a mansion up in the hills of Los Angeles with millions of dollars and co owner of a mwdical Corp worth millions. We should be so lucky that the biggest "problem" in our lives is that some cyclists ride up and down your street. What an idiot. Honestly with all the injustice and ignorance of cyclist rights I was prepared for the worst. But this was a perfect ending. Well, it's not over... His sentencing is coming up.... I hope the powers that be keep the pressure on to make sure he serves a big loooooong sentence.
This goes out to every victim of road rage out there...
Roadblock responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.2.09 - 7:20 pm
reply
Yeah life is tough huh? Someone flipped him off. Awe poor guy, he had every right to punish those douchebags huh?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by palucha66
11.2.09 - 7:24 pm
reply
appropriate punishment:
TO HAVE HIM RIDE A HIPSTER BIKE (FIXIE) ,
DOWN THAT FUCKING HILL, WITH NO BREAKS,, AND LET ME, DRIVING THE CAR, IN FRONT OF HIM, SLAM ON THE BREAKS,
SO THAT I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF HIS FACE SMASHING
THROUGH THE REAR VIEW WINDOW.
THREE FUCKING TIMES EVERY 6 MONTHS. !!!
PAY OFF THE VICTIMS 1 MILLION DOLLARS.
PAY FOR 500, 1 MINUTE COMMERCIALS ON TELEVISION, TELLING VIEWERS OF HIS STUPIDITY AND HARM HE DID TO CYCLIST.
AND TO SUCK MY COCK. I'VE BEEN HIT BY THREE CARS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, AND THEY ALL SAY I WAS WRONG FOR RIDING MY BIKE IN THE STREET.
NOW THAT'S JUSTICE.
eddieboyinla11.2.09 - 7:29 pm
reply
.........well he's going to prison for a short time tho. 5 years right?? Or 10??
palucha66 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 7:34 pm
reply
Now you crossed a line eddy.... Suck your cock? That would be cruel and unusual punishment.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by eddieboyinla
11.2.09 - 7:43 pm
reply
Not really it happens in jail......
palucha66 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 7:45 pm
reply
i definitely think this guy deserves to be punished and have his life taken away from him as he knows it. but if you think going to prison in California is justice then you pretty much think torture is justice. i think people need to be punished, but i wouldn't wish that on anyone. whats the point of taking a violent person and putting them in an even more violent environment. what is it really going to accomplish? believe me i dont think this guy should be free, but i definitely dont agree that prison teaches anybody any kind of lesson.
buckchin responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 7:47 pm
reply
I really don't see how he's going to be a bigger monster once he gets out of prison. If anything, he'll be making sure he stays straight cause he doesn't wana go back there. If he was 30-40 yrs younger, and maybe it was for something like a shooting, then yeah I would think he may come out of there worst than he went in.
Like it was pointed out earlier, the guy probably had some kind of "god" issue. There should not be ANYONE that delays a god on the streets. Especially a lowly biker on his street.
User1 responding to a
comment by buckchin
11.2.09 - 8:12 pm
reply
no one can really judge how prison will effect anyone. but you cant really say prison is justice. considering the place is pretty much ran by criminals, and not law enforcement.
buckchin responding to a
comment by User1
11.2.09 - 8:18 pm
reply
and even if it was under complete control by law enforcement, is that really any better than criminals.
buckchin11.2.09 - 8:22 pm
reply
the point is to serve as a deterrant for others to take heed. Maybe prison isn't the best punishment but it's all we have. What would you suggest is a better punishment?
What will keep intelligent successful people from doing suit like this to cyclists?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by buckchin
11.2.09 - 8:34 pm
reply
AYE ROADBLOCK, WHAT ABOUT THIS?
THE CHRISTAN BIBLE SAYS, AN EYE FOR AN EYE RIGHT?
TO HAVE HIM RIDE A HIPSTER BIKE (FIXIE) ,
DOWN THAT FUCKING HILL, WITH NO BREAKS,, AND LET ME, DRIVING THE CAR, IN FRONT OF HIM, SLAM ON THE BREAKS,
SO THAT I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF HIS FACE SMASHING
THROUGH THE REAR VIEW WINDOW.
eddieboyinla11.2.09 - 8:48 pm
reply
This is easy, an appropriate punishment once he's out of prison:
BANNED FROM DRIVING AN AUTOMOBILE FOR LIFE.
See you on the bus/bike lane buddy! I'll give him a 10% discount on any bike in my shop. We'll call it the "road rage special".
ubrayj02 responding to a
comment by Roadblock
11.2.09 - 8:51 pm
reply
Guess what? Knowing it's run by criminals is big deterrent to me! And I can see that it's not prefect, but you have a better solution?
User1 responding to a
comment by buckchin
11.2.09 - 9:03 pm
reply
I know it was just a joke but, that's not a punishment, that's a reward. I'm happier than ive ever been now that I've four bicycle riding. It's a meditation. Besides, that guy was rich. He'd just pay a driver to drive him.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by ubrayj02
11.2.09 - 9:15 pm
reply
great.... responding after hours... my life is in ruins...
anyhow... i thought it was worth responding in order to clear up what seems to be a misunderstanding on this thread.
The issue is not compassion. Im speaking for myself.
The issue I brought up was the difficulty for me to celebrate in that someone is going to prison. I can clearly understand being happy that a justice system has made the correct judgment -- this guy is guilty.
Thats one thing. Thats worth celebrating (shit it worth a shit load just because many dont even get THAT).
Its another thing to cheer (as RB said) someone rotting in prison. I have a hard time feeling that way. I dont like to think about people rotting. You know what else, I dont like to think about people getting purposefully hit by drivers.
Now some think (and maybe it makes perfect sense) that there is nothing erroneous with celebrating punishment (not just good judgements or verdicts). And no claimed, it should be noted, that the guy should get a sad face sticker and sent home to think about what he has done.
The only thing I was really pointing at, was that there is this weird thing about being happy that others (even bad people) are suffering. Its very... i dont know.... i mean, how is different than celebrating other kinds of suffering?
Imagine you saw a man suffering in jail (but knew nothing of why he was there). How do you feel? Do you need to know he is guilty or innocent? Sure
Okay... here you go
1. He is innocent -- how do you feel?
2. He is guilty -- now how do you feel?
Prior to knowing... what was the status of your feelings for the person? What was it that really changed your feelings? Moreover, what justifies that feeling?
Its not to be confused with compassion.
goodnight
md2 responding to a
comment by dink65
11.2.09 - 10:23 pm
reply
wow, i just saw this on the news! great news, i hope this sends a powerful message to road raging drivers across the land!
natefrogg11.2.09 - 11:08 pm
reply
I totally hear what you are saying. And I agree it's sad to see someone in prison. And not only that many people are wrongly convicted and that is also sad to see even knowing that the person was ruled guilty.
The fact is:
LA drivers that do road rage on people almost never get caught.
When we do try to report road ragers the cops don't do much.
the punishment even in cases that do get prosecuted are usually light IMHO
So most of the the cheer is because:
for once the driver is caught and held responsible and maybe this will serve notice to the community that this kind of behaviour is going to get you punished.
It's definitely sad that this happened. But for once and for all an asshole driver has come to justice.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by md2
11.2.09 - 11:12 pm
reply
The only reason anyone should feel sorry for this guy now is $300,000 of medical education down the toilet.
Although, he may be able to flee the country after time served and work as a field surgeon for a rebel army in some other place.
bentstrider11.2.09 - 11:19 pm
reply
Once again my emotions run high in this because I just know how much drivers roll with impunity... It has been frustrating.
And it's so obvious a case of malicious intent. And yes.... Ya gotta feel a little sorry or someone who lost it all.... We all should be so lucky to achieve what he had... Whew. How dumb though.
Roadblock11.2.09 - 11:35 pm
reply
Civil suit has already been filed. Last Friday in US District Court.
jegesq11.3.09 - 8:36 am
reply
I get a kick out of all the way the local news is telling this story. Mostly wrong. NPR this morning made it sound like this guy got convicted just by getting in an accident. Lame
thegodofthor11.3.09 - 8:41 am
reply
I have to say, I am glad the two cyclists that got hit are so well spoken and show compassion for the defendant. It really helps the image of cyclist as a whole.
thegodofthor responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.3.09 - 8:50 am
reply
Very true. It's good that they were roadies too. If it had been some kids on fixed gear bikes the media would have bent the story a lot worse than they are....
Roadblock responding to a
comment by thegodofthor
11.3.09 - 9:15 am
reply
Everyone should re post this to their twitter, myspace, facebook, send it out in email. Its already dropping from the spotlight in the media.
TheJen responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
11.3.09 - 9:24 am
reply
Here is my two cents...
This guy had an exaggerated sense of self-worth and self-entitlement akin to Delusional disorder, he probably suffered from Explosive Anger Disorder (EAD) or intermittent explosive disorder (IED), all of which were probably untreated psychological problems.
Do you believe that there are people who are inherently evil? They wake up everyday setting out to do bad things? Or are there people walking around (or driving around) who are psychological sick? When faced with a situation, as what happened in the Mandeville canyon incident, they react violently and out of the norm of civilized society.
I do agree with the verdict, and we await the judges sentence. Though I wonder if this guy should be given a through psychological evaluation. If he is sick, he needs to get help while incarcerated. He should be punished, but also rehabilitated. As a bicyclist I don't want revenge so much as I would like to see those individuals, including Christopher Thompson, who suffer from rage, anger and other psychological disorders, who aim to hurt bicyclists, to get help.
I don't want people to think bicyclists are vindictive and vengeful people. We are compassionate and we want you to get help..before you hurt someone or yourself.
urbanpedal11.3.09 - 9:37 am
reply
I didn't attend the hearing, however, it does make me wonder if that was a part of his defense at all? Yes he certainly has anger or other issues. Who uses a motor vehicle to "teach them a lesson" can be considered in their right mind? I don't hold out hope that he'll be re-habbed in prison...our system is a huge FAIL in that area. I am hopeful he serves time as a 6 count felon and that he is unable to practice medicine for he has certainly broken his oath to do no harm. No sympathy for the bad Dr.
TheJen responding to a
comment by urbanpedal
11.3.09 - 9:43 am
reply
He certainly didn't use the psychological angle as his defense. He claimed he was the victim, he lied about the incident, he even lied about what he told the cop.
Is that a psychological disorder? Maybe. He did get what he deserved and you are a much better person than I for showing the convicted felon compassion.
I just hope this verdict makes car drivers think twice before they try to run a bicyclist off the road.
sgrant responding to a
comment by urbanpedal
11.3.09 - 9:50 am
reply
I have suggested a celebritory ride the morning of his sentencing from the Valley thru Mandeville Canyon to the LAX Court house.
take2la11.3.09 - 9:52 am
reply
His defense stayed as FAR away as possible from anything suggesting that Dr. Thompson had any mental issues or anger management issues. You would basically be admitting that you have a problem and thus guilty.
He was painted as a calm, cool, and collected person that has been saving lives for over 30 years, and would never try to hurt anyone. He testified that he was just frustrated by the cyclists in the road and felt it wasn't safe to be driving behind them.
DJwheels11.3.09 - 9:53 am
reply
Hypothetically, if he had admitted to anger management issues and an underlying psychological problem, and his defense team had used that to explain his behavior.
Would that have changed the outcome? Would he be facing ten years?
And thanks DJwheels for all your updates and postings. Hope to see you riding out there soon.
skd responding to a
comment by DJwheels
11.3.09 - 10:00 am
reply
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/03/i-want-to-ride-my-bicycle/
Kpcc is covering the story this morning. Curious how the calls and comments go....
89.3 fm
Roadblock11.3.09 - 10:09 am
reply
I don't think it would have changed the verdict at all. I don't think it would help your chances of an acquittal by conceding that you have anger issues in a case about "road rage." Just seems counter-intuitive and a losing argument.
Anger issues...psychological problems....road rage....losing your cool. Whatever you want to call it...it seems the same to me. Assault is assault.
No problem about the updates...it was a good learning experience for me.
I just hope the public attention from this case carries over to the three other vehicular manslaughter cases at least. People died in those cases. They won't be able to give a press conference after a trial.
DJwheels responding to a
comment by skd
11.3.09 - 10:13 am
reply
amazing!
Ironically I was in DTLA sitting in the jury room all day yesterday.
I totally for got this was happening.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by DJwheels
11.3.09 - 12:08 pm
reply
there is a lot of hatred out there for cyclists.... but maybe this conviction will help protect us in the event that a person out there considers as Mary Stone so effectively illustrated with a picture of the grand canyon during the final arguements.... the line that no one should cross... and that is endangering other human beings on the road.
Roadblock11.3.09 - 12:25 pm
reply
Remember, if a policeman is threatened by a moving vehicle...they are justified in using lethal force to stop the driver of a car...
Why should it be different for the cyclist or the pedestrian?
If a person is willingly using this vehicle in a threatening, violent manner, how can this be perceived as anything but attempted murder?
As for compassion, do you think he's sorry for almost killing these two cyclists, or is he sorry that he got caught, and was found to be guilty?
No, our laws aren't perfect, but the laws and the punishments given to those who break them, have been decided over time.
Imagine if you were the cyclist that went head first into that windshield...what would you want to be done to the person who almost killed you...
What would you find as a reasonable amount of justice? Would you sue for hospital bills, and time lost from work? Would you sue because your nose was almost cut off? Would you want justice within the full extent of the law?
adrian responding to a
comment by thegodofthor
11.3.09 - 12:39 pm
reply
"As for compassion, do you think he's sorry for almost killing these two cyclists, or is he sorry that he got caught, and was found to be guilty? "
I hate to say this.. but when I saw the Dr. in the hallways before final arguments, I did not even realize it was him because he almost appeared jovial... I truly believe that he had no remorse for his crime other than he got caught and now his life is fucked. oh well, at least he isnt starving to death like other human beings out there.... he will be out in 2-5 and back to living his life. though, I cant imagine that people in his circle will quite look at him the same. but he will still have his hardcore friends. they were there in the courtroom and they were very supportive of him. he will be just fine.... he isnt broke he didnt get a limb blown off by a roadside bomb. he just fucked his life up by behaving in a very stupid way and he was finally curbed by the law. it needed to happen. he was out of control. lives were likely saved by throwing him in the gray bar hotel for a period in his life. it's kick back time for him now.... time moves fast for old people. he will be back out in no time.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by adrian
11.3.09 - 12:56 pm
reply
Damn, where were all those compassionate ridazz when I posted the story of
Todd Willingham? Does he have to almost kill a rider or two For you to show compassion? Or can the person be guilty of listening to heavy metal, wear a skull tattoo, and have some petty minor convictions? And Todd lost his life. He didn't do a 3-5 in prison. Where was the compassion for Todd? No where!!!! Me thinks you got something crossed, yeah?
User1 responding to a
comment by adrian
11.3.09 - 12:59 pm
reply
the tw story was pretty intense but it was difficult to relate. I personally thought that it was suspect for him not to simply "die trying" to save his kids. but he seemed innocent of his conviction.
this case with Thompson was a slam dunk there was no real defense available for this guys actions. even if the cyclists sat handcuffed to each other hands across the road with their bare asses glaring the doctor in the face screaming that he is a piece of trash hurling obscenities.... the doctor had no right to assualt them.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by User1
11.3.09 - 1:16 pm
reply
just to be clear... I dont feel sorry the Dr... not at all. I dont feel any compassion, at least that I can sense.
I just wanted to highlight the strangeness in celebrating suffering/punishment.
I think people should be punished. Im just wondering how a person's guilt justifies my being thrilled that someone will be punished, suffering.. and the like. I dont know what it is... i thought other might suggest something.
Its like... the guilt allows us too feel good about a condition we would otherwise not ascent to.
Maybe its just me...
IT like i said earlier... Im not sure why I feel good about all this...
anyhow, any chance we can get his family or friends on a MR ride? That would be great.
md2 responding to a
comment by User1
11.3.09 - 1:45 pm
reply
yeah man... I have to admit... I felt drunk with joy yesterday about this verdict. it was mainly because I felt like a corner had been turned in getting justice for all the times I've been yelled at, threatened, punched in the face, run down by a hit and run, chased and called a loser for riding a bicycle.... today, I see your words and appreciate that the thought is there and part of the conversation. it means our little society here still has critical thought.
we are animals and some things in our society will always stem from our nature of animal behaviour. even animals have natural law and natural consequences for harmful actions. we do too. this guy is not going to "rot" literally.... he will just rot figuratively. It was so powerful to see the jurors and the act of putting this guy in cuffs and the judge doing his thing. society made it's judgement on this criminal. even thieves and robbers know the saying... "dont do the crime if you cant do the time"
this guy is gonna be aight.... he just needed a little time in the corner to get him to (hopefully) behave.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by md2
11.3.09 - 2:02 pm
reply
that is IF he gets time..... shit..... am I this cynical about our court system?
Roadblock11.3.09 - 2:04 pm
reply
i'm with md2. but i think we all have a lot more similar opinions than you think.
we're all happy that this guy is off the road, and will not have a chance to do this or anything worse to another rider.
but i think we also agree that the california prison system is far from a perfect place.
and falls closer to being torture than justice.
buckchin responding to a
comment by User1
11.3.09 - 2:11 pm
reply
also. I would like to point out that Midnight Ridazz . com was FIRST in breaking the news of the verdicts!! folks, this site is the TMZ of the hipster cycling news world.
Roadblock11.3.09 - 2:25 pm
reply
CALIFORNIA CODES
PENAL CODE
SECTION 203-206.1
203. Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human
being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures, or renders it
useless, or cuts or disables the tongue, or puts out an eye, or
slits the nose, ear, or lip, is guilty of mayhem.
204. Mayhem is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for
two, four, or eight years.
The doctor nearly cut off Ron Peterson's nose. That's mayhem.
Yellow_Bike11.3.09 - 2:33 pm
reply
actually in Los Angeles, when doctors do this, its called cosmetic surgery. I think that was part of his defense actually.
md2 responding to a
comment by Yellow_Bike
11.3.09 - 2:38 pm
reply
Dr. Thompson has been assigned to Men's Central Jail in Downtown L.A. until his sentencing, which is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at the LAX Courthouse Dept. C at 8:30am.
The coverage on the story has died down of course but the usual frustrating online debates continue elsewhere:
LA Times
KPCC's AirTalk
DJwheels11.4.09 - 10:02 am
reply
a month in LA's central jail will be a month in hell
spiraldemon responding to a
comment by DJwheels
11.4.09 - 10:36 am
reply
Ron Peterson on KABC 790 right now
DJwheels11.5.09 - 8:43 am
reply
well, only caught a couple minutes. the usual "i hate it when they blow stop signs and think the law doesn't apply to them" kinda stuff. ron just talked about how sometimes they have to take the lane because it's safer for the cyclists. he kinda got the main host to be sympathetic to the dangers affecting cyclists...and agreed it's not cool to mow cyclists down with a car.
DJwheels11.5.09 - 9:01 am
reply
I feel that this is good and bad for us. This guy was a repeat offender, the only real reason he went down was this. Being that I've been hit several times ( I think 7 at last count) by cars I feel the pain, not counting all the attacks like things being thrown at me etc. But on the other side of the coin I see that we're adversarial (sp?) with this guy and motorists on a general level. I 've been in countless group rides where a motorist gets thier car damaged or they get beat up needlessly. I doubt that we'll see more freindly conditions for us out there, keep riding safe, but keep riding.
rev106 responding to a
comment by DJwheels
11.5.09 - 9:27 am
reply
Totally agree...no one can demand respect without showing respect. You know...be the change you wish to see and all that.
TheJen responding to a
comment by rev106
11.5.09 - 9:31 am
reply
Doesn't someone or something always get beat up on your rides Rev106? I think thats the point with most of them!!!!
parlorbikes responding to a
comment by rev106
11.5.09 - 10:55 am
reply
some of you are forgetting that one of the reasons we send certain people to prison is because they pose a DANGER to the rest of us. i agree that incarceration has become a business and there is little actual rehabilitation going on behind bars, but at least there is one less hot headed, power trippin', egotistical, road ragin', megalomaniacal asshole threatening us on the streets for at least several years.
that's a win in my book.
eric11.5.09 - 11:07 am
reply
Of course that's the point, but in a fun loving, good times sort of way.
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
11.6.09 - 6:32 am
reply
the usual reason why certain people are sent to prison is race and class. it's a win when race and class are not the reason for imprisonment.
spiraldemon responding to a
comment by eric
11.6.09 - 7:29 am
reply
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