Man charged with attempted murder after hitting bicyclist in Abington Township
Man charged with attempted murder after bicyclist hit, critically injured
A 24-year-old bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in Glenside, Pennsylvania, and the driver has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.
ABINGTON TWP., Pa. - Phillip Prince, 40, of Glenside, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and other offenses after police say he struck a bicyclist with his Jeep in Abington Township, leaving 24-year-old Colin Cassidy in critical condition, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy.
What we know:
Police responded to the 2800 block of Meyer Avenue around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, after a report of a vehicle-bicycle crash.
Officers found Cassidy unconscious and bleeding from his head, and he was rushed to Abington Hospital for emergency surgery.
Investigators say Prince was driving a black Jeep Compass that showed front-end damage and a cracked windshield.
According to police, Prince had confronted Cassidy earlier, accusing him of stealing the BMX-style bicycle he was riding.
Witnesses and video footage support charges
Detectives say the Jeep followed a group of four bicyclists eastbound on Meyer Avenue.
Cassidy moved from the road to the sidewalk, but police say Prince crossed into the opposite lane and onto the sidewalk, striking Cassidy from behind.
According to the investigation, the impact threw Cassidy about 90 to 95 feet.
Phillip Prince, 40, was arrested after allegedly hitting a bicyclist with his Jeep in Abington Township on Sunday, July 12.
Police say Prince was arrested at the scene and now faces charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault by vehicle, homicide by vehicle, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Prince’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 22 and his bail is set at $1 million.
What they're saying:
Kathleen Hogan, who lives on the 2800 block of Meyer Avenue, called 911 after hearing the crash.
"Just shook up. Even talking about it shakes you up just thinking about it, seeing the boy lying there," said Hogan. "I knew something hit something out front. I knew that. I said to my husband, ‘Oh God, what was that.’ I looked out the door and I saw people, a young fellow on the ground."
The District Attorney’s office said Prince had confronted Cassidy earlier near Jefferson Street and Garfield Avenue, accusing him of stealing the bike.
Aneesa Rohrer, who lives on the street and knows the victim, described the aftermath. "It was very traumatizing as a whole. We all stayed out here all night, none of us really got sleep," said Rohrer. She also said, "He didn’t deserve it whether what comes out is true or not. There’s no reason to put a kid’s life on the line like that."
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released details about Prince’s motive beyond the accusation of bicycle theft, nor have they provided an update on Cassidy’s condition following surgery.
The Source: Information from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Abington Township Police Department.