Bicyclist That Smashed Zipcar Window In SF Critical Mass Ride Gets 3 Years Of Probation
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A San Francisco bicyclist whose distinctive handlebar mustache lead police to arrest him last year on a charge of assaulting a motorist was sentenced Monday on a pair of felonies.
39 year old Ian Hespelt admitted he overreacted by smashing the window of a Zipcar during an angry pro-cycling demonstration.
There were no injuries, but he was charged with multiple felonies, and eventually pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon, and vandalism.
Hespelt was sentenced to the six days already spent in jail, and three years of probation.
Additionally, Hespelt must pay $1,842.72 in restitution and must complete 16 weeks of anger management.
The sentencing comes after Hespelt and his defense attorney Justin Goodwin struck a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty last month to felony assault and vandalism charges.
Hespelt initially pleaded not guilty in September to counts of assault, vandalism, false imprisonment and throwing dangerous objects at a vehicle.
The incident occurred on Aug. 8 in the city's Marina District. That night, dozens of bicyclists were crossing Marina Boulevard near Lyon Street during a Critical Mass event.
When the driver of a dark blue Zipcar failed to yield for the bicyclists, several bicyclists, including Hespelt, then surrounded and yelled at the female driver. As she tried to drive away, Hespelt struck her car with the bike lock multiple times.
The rental car sustained about $1,400 in damage, according to prosecutors.
The incident was captured on video and uploaded to YouTube. Hespelt was arrested a week later after officers on patrol in the city's Mission Bay neighborhood recognized him from the video, according to police.
Goodwin said Hespelt understands the value of the 32 hours of anger management counseling ordered by the court.
"We will come back in six months, after he completes an anger management course, and ask the court to reduce these to misdemeanors," Goodwin said.
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