With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
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.
Convicted Road Rager Who Ran Down a Cyclist Must Undergo Mental Eval Before Sentencing
Photo by Kuzma via Shutterstock
()
Sentencing has been delayed in the controversial case of Louis Mraz, who was convicted last month for charges related to him running down a cyclist in his vehicle in Mt. Washington last year.
A judge has ordered Mraz to undergo a 90-day mental diagnostic period, reports Highland Park Patch.
Although the jury acquitted Mraz for one count of hit and run, he was convicted of "one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of violating section 240 of the California Penal Code, which is defined as 'an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.'"
Here's what happened: On the afternoon of May 28th, Winona Wacker was riding her bike north on Avenue 50 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:
Support for LAist comes from
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.
Mraz was not arrested until July, and his story differed; he claimed Wacker blocked him from passing on the street.
As it turned out, Mraz's encounter with Wacker was not his first road rage incident, or his first run in with the law.
Now the judge is hoping the mental diagnostic report can help guide an appropriate sentence for his crimes.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist