Disclaimer: This video may contain offensive language or content that could be sensitive to some viewers.
We recently received a video submission from a brave cyclist, whom we refer to as ‘T,’ from the US. T found himself in a harrowing incident where a group attempted to steal his bike while he was riding, threatening him with a firearm. Another individual within the group tried to incapacitate him with pepper spray, hitting T’s arms and the back of his neck. Fortunately, their attempt to harm T backfired when the pepper spray blew back at them.
T promptly reported the incident to the police, leading to the assignment of the case to detectives. They informed T that all the suspects had been identified and were now in custody. Thanks to his Fly6 camera, he captured enough evidence to prosecute the individuals involved.
At what time of day did this incident occur, and can you specify the exact location?
The incident was at around 8:30 at night and this was in Norfolk, Virginia on the Berkley Bridge.
Were there any witnesses or fellow cyclists in the vicinity during the incident?
I think the clock is off on the footage. It was just me and the 4 suspects.
With the recent apprehensions, how are you currently feeling in light of the incident?
I tend to look over my shoulder a little more now, but I won’t stop riding. I ride to work everyday and that’s the only way home. It’s good to know that if anything were to happen, I have proof.
How has the Fly6 added to your sense of security during rides in general?
I’ve been running cameras for about 8 years now. Back in 2015 I was hit head on and luckily got that on camera as well. Basically I edited the footage to the main part. I wasn’t able to share the footage right then as my laptop was dead.
Can you describe the process of sharing the footage with the authorities and how it aided in the arrests?
A detective contacted me a couple days later and I emailed the footage to him. He then shared it with local resource police officers and the local schools. Within a couple days they caught two of the suspects. About a week later they got a third one and then just today they got the fourth one.
Want to share your story?
We’d love to hear from you. If you would like to share your stories and experience as a cyclist please reach out to the UpRide team.
