Hempfield bicyclist to stay in Westmoreland jail until July 28 hearing

Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh area) ^ | 22 July 2015 | Rich Cholodofsky

[Vigilanteman]

A Hempfield bicyclist charged with obstructing traffic on several roadways will spend at least the next week in jail after being taken into custody Tuesday morning by Westmoreland County sheriff's deputies.

David Smith, 56, was shackled during an afternoon hearing before Judge Rita Hathaway, who ordered him detained until a bond revocation hearing is held July 28. Until then, Smith will be held without bond at the Westmoreland County Prison.

Sheriff Jon Held said deputies went to Smith's home Tuesday morning and took him into custody.

“He didn't resist, but he was a little confused at first,” Held said.

Prosecutors contend Smith violated terms of his bail when he was charged earlier this month with obstructing traffic as he rode his bike on several highways. Smith faces charges dating to 2012 for blocking traffic. Earlier this month, Hathaway told Smith that he could stay out of jail if he stayed out of trouble. The judge issued a warrant for Smith's arrest Monday because she was notified by prosecutors that four days after she issued that warning police saw him riding his bicycle in the middle of two busy highways and hindering traffic.

Assistant District Attorney Jim Hopson said Smith was charged in connection with those two incidents. “There was little else we could do,” Hopson said. “Our argument for revoking his bond is we're trying to save his life. If he keeps blocking traffic, someone is going to go postal on him.” The three assistant district attorneys who filed joint motions to revoke Smith's bond said state police Trooper Timothy Farkas saw 10 to 15 cars hung up behind Smith's bicycle along Donohoe Road in Hempfield shortly before 6 p.m. July 6. Farkas said Smith shouted profanities at the motorists behind him.

The same day, off-duty Latrobe police Officer Robert Derk reported seeing Smith holding up traffic as he moved between lanes on Route 30 between the Route 981 intersection and Wal-Mart.

In court on Tuesday, Hathaway said she will hear evidence next week as to whether Smith will remain behind bars until his trial.

Smith said nothing during the hearing. Defense attorney Larry Burns said he had not formally been served with any documents related to new charges against Smith and declined to comment.

Smith had been free on his own recognizance since he was charged numerous times since 2012 for obstructing traffic.

He was charged in April with threatening the staff of East Huntingdon District Judge Charles Moore when he entered the office carrying a rock in one hand and displaying several knives attached to shoulder straps. This month, Smith's attorney Larry Burns said Smith carried a “pebble” into the courtroom, not a rock.

Rich Cholodofsky is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-830-6293 or rcholodofsky@tribweb.com.

[Vigilanteman]

Mayberry has their Otis Campbell, our town has this nut job. I wonder how many other places have aggressive bicyclists like this who seem to take special delight in finding the most crowded roads during the most crowded times of day to drift in and out of traffic.

I've seen winos pilot their way through traffic better than this guy does. The fact that he hasn't ended up roadkill is a strong testament to his luck, the courtesy of our local drivers or both.

[gorush]

I have mixed feelings. :{)

[from occupied ga]

He's no different than most bicyclists.

[Uncle Miltie]

That’s nothing.

I saw a guy on a 12 foot tall bike (!) riding it down a four lane highway in the middle of the lane ... going the wrong way.

Truly.

[Vigilanteman]

I've seen plenty of arrogance, but this jag-off takes it to a whole new level. That's why he will be cooling his heels in the local pokey until next week, at least.

But LOVED your cartoon.

[WinMod70]

“He’s no different than most bicyclists.”

Some for sure are really stupid or have a death wish. Riding on the side of 55 MPH highway during morning rush hour(s) is insane; saw it yesterday. It was a hey look at me type in full Tour De France gear.

[Uncle Miltie]

Like one of these:

[Vigilanteman]

Where? I didn’t even know they made 12’ bikes.

[Uncle Miltie]

Puyallup, WA on River Road.

[Buckeye McFrog]

A fine, upstanding citizen.

(*compared to Lance Armstrong)

[WayneS]

If you want to freak out a bicyclist, goose them on the ass as you pass them on your motorcycle.

[sparklite2]

Look at those cars. Cuba is a collector’s dream.

[Leaning Right]

this jag-off takes it to a whole new level

I'm guessing you've spent some time in Pittsburgh.

[Red Badger]

LOL!

He who has the biggest vehicle has the right of way....................

[Red Badger]

[tacticalogic]

Bet there’s no front brake on that thing.

[Rufii]

Those Cuban cars have an advantage in that no Internet hacker can ever take them over.

[Osage Orange]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jWvAxjG0kg

[Vigilanteman]

We’re about 40 miles SE of the ‘burgh.

[mad puppy]

We cyclists (yes, I am one) are our own worst enemy.

I hate riding in traffic and avoid it as much as possible. However, last Sunday, while riding up a hill with heavy bike traffic, some guy in a truck pelted me with a ball of tin-foil. Not cool. No harm...kind of funny now, but I wasn’t feeling the humor in the moment.