HEBER, Utah — A 43-year-old man from Heber is facing serious charges after allegedly hitting a bicyclist with his truck in what police are calling a road rage incident that left the victim with a broken leg.
Loren Ray Russell was arrested Saturday in Wasatch County and is now facing multiple charges, including second-degree felony aggravated assault resulting in serious injury, as well as misdemeanor and infraction charges related to fleeing the scene and failure to yield — all with road rage enhancements.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on April 13 near 600 South 100 East. Police responded to a report of a cyclist in need of medical assistance. Upon arrival, officers found the man complaining of pain in his ankle. He told authorities he had been hit by a truck that immediately fled the scene, though he couldn’t provide a detailed description at the time. Officers observed tire marks in the area, suggesting the vehicle had accelerated in the cyclist’s direction.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business provided a clearer picture. According to police documents, the video showed a gray Chevrolet truck with a white utility shell failing to yield as a cyclist rode along the sidewalk. The cyclist appeared to slap the truck’s hood before continuing. The truck then turned, accelerated, and struck the rider before speeding off.
By April 19, police learned the cyclist’s leg had been broken and may require surgery. The victim confirmed he wished to press charges.
A witness later reported seeing a similar truck parked on Tobiano Circle and shared the license plate number with police. Though the plate didn’t return any results initially, investigators traced the vehicle to Russell after contacting the property owner at the address.
Officers located the truck and took Russell into custody. During questioning, he admitted to being in the area and said a cyclist had hit his truck first. He claimed he felt threatened and drove off quickly, not realizing he had made contact with the man. When asked why he didn’t call authorities if he felt threatened, Russell said he “hadn’t thought about it.”
However, investigators questioned that account. “Seeing how hard the male was struck, knowing the extent of the male’s injuries, and how damaged the bike was, I don’t believe Loren was unaware he hit the male,” the arresting officer stated in the affidavit.
Russell was booked into the Wasatch County Jail.
It’s important to note that charges are allegations, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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