Doctor Charged in Fourth of July Crash with Cyclists

Doctor Charged in Fourth
of July Crash with Cyclists

July 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
Shiara Dávila, Assistant PIO
(213) 974-3525

LOS ANGELES – A former ER physician who allegedly stopped his car in front of two cyclists, causing one rider to crash through the rear window, was charged today with felony reckless driving, the District Attorney’s office announced.

Christopher Thomas Thompson, 59 (dob 7-11-49), has been charged with two felony counts each of reckless driving causing injury, battery with serious bodily injury and the special allegation of causing great bodily injury, said Deputy Dist. Atty. John Lynch, head deputy of the Airport Branch.

On the Fourth of July, Thompson allegedly slammed on the brakes of his Infiniti sedan in front of two cyclists riding on Mandeville Canyon Road. Police said the impact propelled one cyclist through the car window, causing the rider to suffer broken teeth, cuts on his face and a broken nose that was nearly severed off. The second cyclist crashed to the pavement and suffered a shoulder separation that would require surgery, authorities said.

Police arrested Thompson, who lives on Mandeville Canyon Road and is an owner of a medical documentation company in Woodland Hills. He was released on $30,000 bail.

Thompson is scheduled to appear at LAX Superior Court, Dept. 144, on Aug. 1 for arraignment in case SA068297. If convicted, he faces up to seven years, eight months in state prison.

jr

Please read our Privacy Policy.