- Scott Michael Ryan, 59, was arrested and accused of swerving into an e-biker.
- The incident, described as suspected road rage, occurred on 5400 South in Taylorsville.
- Witnesses reported Ryan's SUV deliberately hit the victim, causing serious injuries, police say.
TAYLORSVILLE — Police arrested a man who they say purposely swerved his SUV into a man riding an e-bike in a road rage confrontation.
Scott Michael Ryan, 59, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated assault resulting in serious injury and reckless driving.
On Thursday, Ryan was driving an SUV on 5400 South when he was cut off by a man on an e-bike, according to Taylorsville police. Ryan then allegedly pulled up beside the 24-year-old man near 3600 West began arguing with him.
"Multiple witnesses … reported that the incident stemmed from a road rage altercation. Three independent witnesses stated that the suspect was driving a mid-size SUV and was traveling the wrong way on the roadway while verbally threatening the victim. Witnesses reported that the suspect deliberately swerved his vehicle toward the victim, who was riding an e-bike, in what appeared to be an intentional attempt to strike him," a police booking affidavit states.
The e-bike rider was transported to a local hospital in serious condition with a head injury after he was hit by Ryan's vehicle and crashed, the affidavit says. Additional information about the victim was not immediately available.
"Due to his condition and fluctuating consciousness, officers were unable to obtain a formal statement from the victim at that time," police wrote.
When questioned, Ryan said he had "a prior altercation with the victim several days earlier. He stated that earlier today, the victim had cut him off while riding his e-bike, which made him upset. He followed the victim into a business parking lot, where a verbal confrontation ensued," according to the affidavit. "Based on witness statements and the suspect's own admission, it appears the suspect deliberately used his vehicle in an aggressive and dangerous manner, resulting in serious injury to the victim."
Taylorsville Police Lt. Aaron Cheshire clarified Friday that Ryan claimed he saw the victim driving "recklessly" the day before but did not do anything about it.
Ryan was arrested and taken to jail after being questioned.
