Deputies: Driver Hit Bicyclist, Multiple Cars

Deputies aren't sure if a driver accused of running down a bicyclist and hitting multiple moving and parked vehicles Thursday evening in Palos Verdes was "suffering from a mental condition or committing an assault with a deadly weapon," the Palos Verdes Peninsula News reported Friday.

The man, who was not otherwise identified, was taken into custody at about 6:30 p.m. in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to reporter Larry Altman. Authorities believe the man struck multiple cars and knocked a bicyclist off his bike in Palos Verdes Estates.

Bicyclist Doug Castile suffered scrapes, but managed to escape before the driver seemingly deliberately ran over the bicycle, destroying it, Castile to the newspaper.

"There's certainly indications this was a driver who had no regard for the people he hit," Wolak told the newspaper. "It sounds like it's more than hit-and-run. We have to determine if this is a hit-and-run or intentional. We're trying to find the motivation."

• Full story: Driver Mows Down Bicyclist, Hits Several Cars on Palos Verdes Peninsula [Palos Verdes Peninsula News]