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Police Arrest Driver in Viral Newport Beach Bike-Lane Road-Rage Case

Prosecutors now weigh whether to file charges.

Overview

  • The case, which began on March 21 when a blue BMW was filmed tailgating cyclists on Pacific Coast Highway, led to the arrest of Samir Sweiss of Corona.
  • Newport Beach police say they booked him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing arrest, and they seized the blue BMW as evidence.
  • Video posted by cyclist Luke Fetzer shows the car inches from a rider, the cyclist jumping to the curb to avoid it, and a passenger throwing a water bottle.
  • Fetzer and fellow rider Ben Byra report a later face-off in a Shake Shack line where occupants blocked them and made threats, and one bicyclist was taken to a hospital.
  • The Orange County District Attorney will decide on prosecution, and police say the investigation is ongoing with no other individuals publicly identified.