OXNARD : Cyclist Injured in Crash at Intersection

An argument that started with a bicycle cutting off a van in traffic ended with a Camarillo cyclist in the hospital suffering from serious head injuries and a Ventura County employee suspended from his job.

Jeff Hager, 37, of Camarillo remains in serious condition in the intensive-care unit at St. John’s Regional Medical Center after Monday’s incident at an Oxnard intersection. The driver of the county van, Scott Andrade, 28, has been put on leave with pay awaiting the results of an investigation.

So far, Oxnard police have not filed charges, but they intend to speak to Hager before closing the case. “At this point, it’s not as serious as it would seem,” said Sgt. Charles Dunham of the Oxnard Police Department. “It’s just an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to a serious injury.”

The story, as told to police, goes like this:

The incident began when Hager’s bicycle suddenly pulled in front of Andrade’s van. Andrade, who drives for the county Public Social Services Agency, slammed on the brakes in panic.

Hager then made an obscene gesture toward Andrade. Andrade stepped out of the van at the intersection of Pacific and Emerson avenues and held his hands out as if to say, “What’s going on?”

Hager then turned his bike and drove straight toward Andrade and veered off before reaching him. But Andrade put an arm out and hit the cyclist. Hager flew over the handlebars and landed on his head. Police are uncertain whether he was wearing a helmet.

Hager suffered a subdural hematoma, an injury causing blood to build up on the brain, Dunham said. Hager’s condition improved after surgery to relieve the pressure, he said.

Andrade, who lives in Ventura, will remain off the job until county officials decide what action to take, if any.

“At this point, it’s under investigation,” said James Isom, director of the Public Social Services Agency. “Until I have an opportunity to review the case, he’s currently on leave with pay.”