Reward Offered for Info on Motorist Who Committed Intentional Vehicular Assault

These stories are disgusting. A motorist in Sonoma County allegedly intentionally struck a cyclist after harassing cyclists on the Gran Fondo for miles. The cyclist is now suffering critical head injuries. This is worse than a 'hit-and-run.' This was intentional. Please forward this message to friends in Sonoma County who may know more:

Send the message that you don’t tolerate the harassment and injury of cyclists…

Help build a $10,000 reward fund to catch the GranFondo hit-and-run driver.

Together, we’ve already raised $3,000 toward our $10,000 goal.

You can donate quickly and securely now at www.Bikesonoma.org.

Here’s a great article about the reward fund: http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/reward-to-find-king-ridge-granfondo-hit-and-run-driver--29108

Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and
Levi's Gran Fondo offer reward for information
leading to arrest of the hit-and-run driver.

The community must not tolerate those who
harass and injure cyclists…

Let’s raise $10,000 to make sure
this driver is held accountable

Now is the time:
“The California Highway Patrol has reached a point in this investigation in which all reasonable leads have been exhausted,” says CHP Sergeant Robert Mota. “The CHP needs the public’s help in this investigation. I believe that someone out there has information that could lead to the arrest of the responsible person. The reward money will hopefully entice that person to come forward.”

Think you have information?
Anyone with any information regarding this incident can contact Detective Mike Phennicie or Sergeant Robert Mota at (707)588.1400 during business hours (M-F, 8-5 PST) or at (707) 551.4100 outside of business hours.

Background:
The hit and run occurred on October 9, 2010 in the eastbound lane of Graton Road, approximately 4:15 in the afternoon. Reports consistently describe the offending vehicle as a mid-90s maroon Ford Explorer.

A person or persons in a vehicle matching this description had been harassing cyclists along the GranFondo route from as far away as Coleman Valley Road, both verbally and with his or her vehicle. When the hit and run incident occurred, the cyclist, Anoush Zebarjadian, was struck from behind with the side mirror of the motor vehicle. Zebarjadian was hospitalized in Santa Rosa before being transferred to San Francisco with critical head injuries. While he is expected to make a full recovery, it will be a lengthy and challenging one.

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Sandra Lupien
Development & Outreach Director
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
www.BikeSonoma.org
707-545-0153 (Office)
707-694-8702 (Cell)