Teacher Accused Of Using Car As A Deadly Weapon Against Bicyclist
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Wesley Tran spoke to CBS13 from behind bars a day after police say he allegedly hit three bike riders – one of them intentionally.
"I was just trying to get somewhere and then I get my car busted and my tires slashed," Tran said.
Tran is allegedly at the center of a chaotic scene near 21st and L Streets around 11 p.m. Saturday. His car windshield was caved in and blood was smeared on the sidewalk after police said Tran intentionally hit a bicyclist, then ran over two others as he was making his getaway.
But Tran said he was just trying to get away.
"And while I'm fixing my tires, they come and harass me some more," Tran said.
Tran said he was dropping off a friend in busy midtown Sacramento when two bicyclists riding erratically started harassing him.
"[It] kind of started off as a basic road rage moment, but then they kept taking it further and further until that happened," Tran said.
Tran said they slashed his tires, and the Sacramento Police Department corroborates this part of the incident.
But, after he changed them and was he was trying to drive away, Tran said this is when he accidentally hit the bicyclist.
Police allege Tran was the aggressor and arrested him for assault with a deadly weapon and DUI charges.
Tran reportedly works as a teacher in West Sacramento. His license is listed on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website and the Yolo Education Center, also known as Yolo High School, lists him as an employee on their website.
Now, Tran's career is in question, and this wild scene has midtown bicyclists on edge.
"Makes me mad, I don't want to see that happen to anyone," said bicyclist Mark Beningfield.
"I don't really see people respecting bikers here at all. I tend to think that they think we belong on the sidewalks," said Peter Gurule, another bicyclist.
Tran said he is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.