Driver Shoots Bicyclist in Neck After Argument

An apparent misunderstanding ended in violence early Wednesday when a motorist pulled out a gun and shot a bicyclist in the neck at a Santa Ana intersection, authorities said.

According to witnesses, cyclist Michael Sanchez, 25, of Santa Ana apparently cut in front of the driver about 2 a.m., Santa Ana police said. The driver jumped out of his car and began arguing with Sanchez.

A Santa Ana Police Department traffic investigator, a civilian who was on his way to write up another accident, arrived at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Raitt Street as the argument began, Santa Ana police spokeswoman Maureen Thomas said.

Investigator Domingo Cabrera saw the motorist “push the victim and the bicycle to the pavement,” Thomas said. “When the victim tried to get up, the suspect pulled a gun from his waistband and shot him in the neck.”

The driver jumped back into his car and drove off, Thomas said.

Cabrera chased the car and was joined by Santa Ana police officers. At one point, the driver threw a pistol from the car. The gun was later retrieved by the officers, Thomas said.

The suspect was arrested in the 1600 block of West 11th Street in Santa Ana. Police were trying to confirm his identity Wednesday night.

Officers said they found an undetermined amount of cash and narcotics in the car.

Sanchez was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he was reported in good condition Wednesday evening.