A motorcycle rider from Susanville was injured in a road rage incident Monday evening on Highway 36, just east of Eagle Lake Road, after an altercation that took place between the motorcyclist and a construction worker in the Fredonyer Summit construction zone.
According to the Susanville office of the California Highway Patrol, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation between the motorcycle rider, 56-year-old Susanville resident Stephen McDowell, and a construction worker, 27-year-old Chico resident Richard Massie at the Fredonyer cone zone.
Following the altercation, McDowell left the area on his motorcycle, and Massie pursued him in his Ford F-150 construction pilot car.
The chase ended in a collision near the intersection of SR-36 and Eagle Lake Road when Massie attempted to pass McDowell’s motorcycle. The truck struck the motorcycle, causing McDowell to lose control and crash. He sustained moderate injuries.
Massie was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury to another person, as well as assault with a deadly weapon.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and will be filing a report with the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office recommending charges against McDowell for assault.
The CHP is urging drivers to avoid aggressive driving and road rage. Such behavior can lead to serious consequences, including license suspensions and criminal charges. Witnesses to road rage incidents are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
