WASHINGTON – The driver of a truck that hit a bicyclist in 2011 agreed Tuesday to perform community service and attend anger management classes in exchange for having charges in the case dismissed.
John W. Diehl, 57, of D.C., formally pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court to charges of leaving the scene of an accident and destruction of property. But his plea includes a deferred sentencing agreement, U.S. District Attorney Ronald Machen’s office announced.
Diehl is required to complete 25 hours of community service, undergo anger management counseling, complete a driver safety course and complete drug and alcohol treatment over the next year, according to Machen’s office.
If Diehl complies with those conditions, prosecutors have agreed to dismiss the case. But if he fails to live up to his end of the deal, the court will proceed with sentencing. His next hearing is set for April 2, 2014, Machen’s office says.
The injured bicyclist, Evan Wilder, was wearing a helmet camera at the time he was hit. The camera captured the pickup truck driver’s voice and the truck’s license plates as well as Wilder tumbling to the ground.
Diehl pulled up alongside Wilder in the 3000 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE and cursed at Wilder for riding in the middle lane. Diehl then drove his truck into Wilder’s lane, striking him with the truck and knocking Wilder to the ground.
The crash injured Wilder’s shoulder and he suffered road rash, scraps and bruises. His bike was also damaged.
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