Authorities say a Sunday night bike ride in Abington Township turned into a scene out of an action movie, only without any of the fun, when a driver allegedly steered his Jeep onto a sidewalk and slammed into a bicyclist, sending the rider flying nearly 100 feet.
The victim, identified by officials as 24-year-old Colin Cassidy, was found unconscious and bleeding on the 2800 block of Meyer Avenue. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for serious head injuries. The crash happened Sunday night in Abington Township.
Montgomery County detectives and Abington Township police say the striking vehicle was a black Jeep Compass driven by 40-year-old Phillip Prince of Glenside. Officers reported front-end damage and a cracked windshield on the Jeep. Investigators say the Jeep had been following a group of four bicyclists eastbound on Meyer Avenue before crossing into the opposing lane and driving up onto the sidewalk, where it hit the rear of Cassidy's BMX-style bicycle. According to NBC10 Philadelphia, detectives relied on multiple videos and witness interviews to piece together what happened.
How Investigators Say It Unfolded
Officials say that as the group rode down the hill on Meyer Avenue, Cassidy moved from the roadway onto the sidewalk. When the Jeep reached the bottom of the hill, investigators say it crossed into the oncoming lane, mounted the sidewalk and struck the back of Cassidy's bike, launching him an estimated 90 to 95 feet.
After the impact, police say Prince got out of the Jeep and confronted Cassidy in the area of Garfield Avenue and Jefferson Street, accusing him of stealing the BMX bike. Prince was arrested at the scene and remains in custody while the investigation continues.
Charges And What Comes Next
Prince is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault by vehicle, homicide by vehicle, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. He is awaiting arraignment, when a judge will set bail and schedule a preliminary hearing date, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
What The Charges Mean
Attempted murder and the related vehicle assault charges are serious felonies that can bring substantial prison time if prosecutors prove their case in court. The arraignment will start the formal pretrial process, which includes motions and hearings, as the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office decides how to move the case forward and whether to take it to trial.
Community Concerns And Ongoing Investigation
The case is already fueling local conversations about how drivers and cyclists share tight neighborhood streets and where the line is between tense encounters and outright criminal behavior. The investigation remains active as Cassidy continues to recover and police review additional video and witness accounts.
