Man Strikes Bicyclist After Accusing Him Of Stealing Bike In Abington: PD

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A Glenside man is in custody for attempted murder after authorities said he intentionally struck a bicyclist with his vehicle on Sunday night after accusing him of stealing the bike, authorities said.

Phillip Prince, 40, of Glenside, was charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Simple Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person in the vehicle-bicycle crash that left a 24-year-old in critical condition with severe head trauma and other injuries, authorities said.

At 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Abington Police responded to the 2800 block of Meyer Avenue in the township's Glenside section where police found 22-year-old Colin Cassidy unconscious and bleeding from his head.

Before the crash, Prince had gotten out of his jeep in the area of Garfield Avenue and Jefferson Street and confronted Cassidy, saying he had stolen the BMX-style bicycle.

Cassidy was transported to Abington Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for significant head trauma.

Police found a black Jeep Compass, driven by Prince, which had front-end damage and a cracked windshield.

Police said the jeep was following a group of four bicyclists, including Cassidy, eastbound on Meyer Avenue.

Cassidy was riding a BMX-style bicycle and had moved from the riding on the roadway to riding on the sidewalk, police said.

After reaching the bottom of the hill, the jeep crossed into the opposing lane of travel onto the sidewalk before striking the rear of the bicycle operated by Cassidy, police said.

Police said Cassidy was thrown about 90 to 95 feet.

Prince is awaiting arraignment, at which time bail and a preliminary hearing date will be set.