Road Rage Crash: Driver Intentionally Hits Motorcyclist In San Rafael, Police Say

SAN RAFAEL, CA – An apparent case of road rage ended with a motorist allegedly intentionally striking a motorcyclist with his car in San Rafael, authorities said.

The San Rafael Police Department responded to a report Tuesday of a collision involving a car and a motorcycle near the San Rafael Transit Center at 850 Tamalpais Ave.

According to the involved parties and independent witnesses, police officials said the driver of a gray Hyundai reportedly made a right turn from southbound Hetherton Street onto westbound Third Street against a red light. The driver allegedly nearly struck a motorcyclist traveling westbound on Third Street.

While the two vehicles were stopped at a traffic signal at the next intersection, the rider of the motorcycle reportedly knocked on the window of the car, exchanged words with the driver and slapped the right side mirror of the car, according to police. The driver of the car allegedly backed up, turned the car toward the motorcycle and accelerated forward into it, causing damage to the motorcycle and injury to the rider.

John Sinclair, 44, of Novato, was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

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