We are all too used to road rage incidents on the bike but in a sick new twist, someone in Minneapolis is tossing cinder blocks from their vehicle at cyclists. Several cyclists have been assaulted but a 20-year-old man, Mackenzie Jensen, has suffered the worst of it, taking a brick-sized piece of cinder block directly to the face. Mackenzie was on his way to work Friday afternoon when he fell victim to the random act of violence. The sizable cinder block struck his face resulting in multiple facial fractures. This unprovoked incident occurred last Friday at 4:20 pm at 41st and Bryant Ave. S. The unknown suspect was driving an older Ford vehicle, possibly a Bronco, with wood covering a missing window. They are following leads in the case. Two additional reports of other cyclists being assaulted in a similar manner a short time later. Cyclists in Minneapolis should be aware of their surroundings while riding and keep their eyes open for a man driving a white or cream-colored Bronco, the vehicle identified by a witness to the latest attack. Some reports state that it was a male driving the vehicle who threw the objects and that he was wearing gloves at the time.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Mackenzie’s medical expenses and lost wages. According to the GoFundMe page, Jensen has undergone a first round of surgery resulting in having his jaw wired shut and plates placed in his face. A second, facial reconstructive surgery, is scheduled for Thursday.
The Minneapolis Police Department asks those with information about the assaults to contact Crime Stoppers or the Minneapolis Police Department. Of course i,f you are assaulted call 911 immediately.
Photo via GoFundMe page
