A driver was arrested in connection with a road rage incident involving cyclists in Newport Beach, California. Samir Sweiss of Corona was taken into custody on March 21 after allegedly harassing two competitive cyclists on Pacific Coast Highway. The incident, part of which was captured on video, showed a blue BMW tailgating one of the cyclists, forcing them out of the bike lane and onto the sidewalk. The video also showed a passenger throwing a water bottle at the cyclists.
Newport Beach Police confirmed Sweiss was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing arrest. The department also seized the blue BMW as part of the ongoing investigation. The cyclists, Luke Fetzer and a friend, claimed they were following traffic rules when the harassment began. Fetzer posted a video of the encounter on Instagram, which went viral.
Fetzer stated that the drivers swerved at them, honked, and put their lives in danger. He admitted to spraying water at one of the cars in frustration but did not anticipate the escalation. The police have not yet indicated whether additional arrests will be made.