Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Motorist Knocked Cyclist Down, Claims He Couldn't Pass
()
A violent confrontation by a motorist against a bicyclist has resulted in an arrest, the Los Angeles Police Department have announced. Though the crime, in which a driver drove into a cyclist to knock her over on a city street, took place in late May, the LAPD arrested the suspect this week.
On the afternoon of May 28th, Winona Wacker was riding her bike north on Avenue 50 in the Mt. Washington area, when Louis Mraz was also on the street, behind the wheel of his convertible 2011 Volvo, top down. Mraz "began honking his horn and yelling for Wacker to move out of his way," say the LAPD. They describe the rest of the incident:
Wacker continued to ride her bike when she heard the vehicle accelerate. Mraz then drove violently into the left side of Wacker’s bike causing her to fall and tumble to the pavement. Mraz then left the area, leaving Wacker with numerous cuts and abrasions.
A witness says they saw Mraz deliberately run into Wacker, and that the driver had enough room on the street to pass safely. It was the witness who followed Mraz from a distance who was able to get the Volvo's license plate information to the authorities.
Support for LAist comes from
Mraz's story, however, differs. The LAPD says Mraz offered the following explanation of his actions:
[Mraz] said a female bicyclist was riding entirely in the northbound lane of Avenue 50 when he pulled up behind her. He claimed he was not able to safely pass and began honking his horn. He heard the cyclist tell him she had every right to be there and continued riding. Mraz claimed that once he was finally able to pass the cyclist struck the passenger side mirror with her hand. As he drove away, he saw the cyclist still riding her bike.
Authorities were not convinced, and subsequently issued a warrant for Mraz's arrest. He was taken in on July 6th, charged with assault and hit and run, and released after he posted bond.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.
Best of LAist