Group of teen bicyclists hit by Fresno driver after fight

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man was arrested after driving an SUV into two teenagers and another bicyclist near Olmos Elementary School Saturday afternoon, the Fresno Police Department announced.

Police say just after 2:40 p.m. they responded to the area of Chesnut and Balch Avenues for a report of a vehicle versus three bicyclists.

Investigators report that a group of about 20 bicyclists were riding southbound on Chesnut Avenue from Belmont Avenue when a verbal altercation occurred between the bicyclists and a grey sedan. The altercation then turned physical when the driver pulled to the side of the road.

After the fight, the bicyclists continued southbound on Chestnut Avenue as officers say the motorist called the driver of a white Dodge SUV.

Police report the driver of the SUV “purposely” drove up onto the west sidewalk and struck two teens on bikes. He then backed up, pulled forward, and continued southbound where he hit a man riding in the southbound bike lane.

Investigators say the driver of the SUV was physically assaulted by several bicyclists after the collisions and sustained minor injuries.

Officers report the two teenage victims were transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries along with the adult male bicyclist who sustained major injuries. None of their injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

Police say the 23-year-old man driving the SUV was arrested on suspicion of three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and will be booked into the Fresno County Jail pending medical clearance.