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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Doctor sentenced to 5 years for hitting brakes, causing 2 cyclists to crash

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Former ER physician Christopher Thompson was sentenced today to five years in state prison for seriously injuring two bicyclists after he allegedly deliberately slammed on his brakes and caused two bicyclists to crash. The cyclists were seriously injured.

A jury in November found Thompson guilty of multiple felonies.

Thompson, the owner of a medical documentation company in Woodland Hills, was convicted of hitting the brakes on his Infiniti sedan in front of two bicyclists on July 4, 2008.

One cyclist's nose was nearly severed after he flew through Thompson's rear window, while the other separated his shoulder after hitting the pavement, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Witnesses testified Thompson had a history of run-ins with other cyclists.

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