Another cyclist attacked in Toledo Watch Video See Photos Read Comments
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By Laura Rice
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 6:34 p.m.

Read more: Local, Crime, Community, Bike, Bicyclist, Ride, Cyclist, Bicycle, Attack, Assault, Hurt, Injure

TOLEDO, OH -- A pattern of violence against bicyclists.

This past Tuesday, Robert Brundage died after being attacked while out riding his bike.

Then Thursday, another upstanding older Toledoan was assaulted on his bike.

Andy Chermak's story at first seems similar to Dr. Brundage's.

But Chermak was not as seriously injured and was not even robbed.

In fact, what is so shocking about Andy Chermak's story is that it was an act of aggression for no real reason!

"Bam, first thing you know I'm hit from behind and then sprawling in front of the car," said Chermak.

Andy was on his way home from a 37 mile bike ride when he apparently crossed paths with the wrong car.

The occupants were upset he was on the road and spit on him.

When he told the driver that was terrible behavior, one or more passengers got out and assaulted him.

"I got a roundhouse kick to the kidneys," said Chermak.

Chermak has some bruises and injured pride but it is the aggressive pattern towards cyclists that really has he and his wife upset.

"Of course I was just first shocked and then outraged that this was happening again," said Shelley Green.

What particularly concerned that the attack was solely about violence.

"I always tell Andy if they want your bike just say 'have a nice day' and give it to them, but in this instance, they didn't even want the bike they were just aggressive and were looking for a target," said Green.

The incident is forcing Chermak to take routes where he feels safer.

"It is a shame that he has to make any kind of compromise. That he can't ride all over the city," said Green.

But he is definitely not getting off his bike for good.

"I'm not going to let that stop me," said Chermak. "I'm not going to let these kids stop me. I have every right to bet out there."

The couple is still fighting to make sure the suspects face consequences for their actions.

Right now the police are stuck because the license plates of the car did not match the description of the vehicle.

If you have information that can help call police.

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5 Comments on this Story
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, NBC24, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please report it here.

Roads are for cars?

Posted by Doug Oda, Dayton, Ohio - Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 10:48 a.m.

The very nice lady who hit me from behind while she was going to church one sunny/clear Sunday morning was very upset that I had damaged her side view mirror. Knocking me and the bicycle into the ditch and my injuries (fortunately just a large bruise on thigh) were secondary to the damage to her car.

How do you change a mindset like that?

Hate Crime?

Posted by Opus the Poet, Garland TX - Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.

Just from the report this is about as close to a hate crime against a cyclist as I have ever seen. The assault took place because the victim was riding a bicycle, so will this be prosecuted as a hate crime? Or are cyclists just one of the amorphous mass of people that can be beaten up and killed just because and nothing more become of it?

Sick of violence against the elderly!!!!

Posted by Pam H, Toledo - Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 8:01 a.m.

I am so sick of these punk kids, spoiled brats, do they not understand that the elderly are to be watched out for and cherished just like the little children. This just disgusts me, I hope I never see one of these punk kids out here doing that to someone. Someone needs to knock them to the ground and see how they like it!! Ugh!!

biking

Posted by fred powell, toledo ohio - Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 9:16 p.m.

I remember this same attitude toward bikers when i was riding more than fifty years ago. i heard stories about people on mo-peds being harassesed the same way.
any body else out there with an experience to share?

biking

Posted by fred powell, toledo ohio - Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 9:15 p.m.

I remember this same attitude toward bikers when i was riding more than fifty years ago. i heard stories about people on mo-peds being harassesed the same way.
any body else out there with an experience to share?

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