A 58-year-old Arlington man has been found guilty of intentionally striking a bicyclist near Long Bridge Park, but he probably won’t serve time for it.
Samuel Thernstrom was found guilty of two misdemeanors on Tuesday: assault and battery and property damage under $1,000. He faced up to a year in jail but received only a suspended six-month sentence, according to court records.
No criminal complaint was available for the incident, and most records are sealed. According to the original crime report, Thernstrom had been driving near Long Bridge Park on Oct. 19 when he became involved in an argument with the victim, who was riding on his bicycle.
Police said that the argument moved into a nearby parking lot, where Thernstrom accelerated his vehicle into the victim.
One witness told police that Thernstrom’s actions appeared “deliberate and could have resulted in serious injury,” according to notes included in a checklist for bail determination.
Though the victim was knocked to the ground in the collision, he sustained only minor injuries.
“The victim happened to be a seasoned rider and could therefore prevent serious injury in spite of the accused’s intentions,” the document said.
Thernstrom was initially charged with attempted malicious wounding and destruction of property.
Suspended sentences often only result in jail time if a defendant fails to engage in good behavior and meet other court-imposed criteria.
Thernstrom’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
