Cyclist David Thomas spoke with 10News in July 2011.
A Knoxville cyclist tells police he was sideswiped then attacked by a driver. He's currently in stable condition, recovering at a local hospital from a shattered eye socket and cheekbone.
Injured cyclist David Thomas was featured in a 10News story in July 2011. Thomas was one of several volunteers helping the visually impaired learn how to ride on tandem bikes.
Thomas' friends said his bike was sideswiped by a car on Magnolia Avenue before 3 p.m. Monday.
Jody Freeman, Thomas' girlfriend, said Thomas was riding his bike towards Downtown Knoxville from his home to the YMCA off Magnolia Avenue.
While passing through a construction zone, a car inched close to Thomas and sideswiped his bike. Thomas touched the car with his hand as he tried to maintain his balance.
The driver began screaming at the cyclist. Thomas then went to Fifth Avenue to catch his breath. The driver found him and punched him in the face several times.
The Knoxville Police Department said they did respond. An officer took notes at the hospital. A police report has not been filed yet.
The cyclist's friends want police to investigate further.
"This was pretty malicious to track somebody down," said Sue Buckley. "When I heard, there was a pit in my stomach. I could not believe it."
"I think they need to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Jim Richards added. "David is a wonderful cyclist and would have no ill will to cause harm to someone on a cycle or in a car."
Currently, Thomas can only provide vague descriptions of the car and suspect. Freeman says the cyclist underwent surgery on his face Tuesday evening.