Tack Sabotage at Leonardtown Criterium Garnering National Attention

After a two-year hiatus, the venerated Leonardtown Criterium returned to the regional racing calendar on May 16, 2010. While area racers were keen to see the event's revival, it is apparent that at least one spectator wasn't content to watch cyclists self-administered suffering, and sought to augment the race with some additional pain. Tacks thrown onto the course resulted in numerous crashes in several events, many injuries, and caused thousands of dollars in damage. St. Mary's County has opened a criminal investigation into the incident, intending to charge the perpetrator(s) with reckless endangerment and assault.

Naturally, the case has lit up the MABRA listserv and set the local racing blogs afire as well. But the helmet cam video shot by Bryan Vaughan has become a media sensation in its own right, sparking mainstream media coverage across the region, including Baltimore's CBS affiliate WJZ and Fox DC. A local NBC affiliate has run the story as well, and it has received airplay across the country, including Iowa, Maine, Indiana, Florida, Missouri and more.  

The story is even reaching national news media, with airtime on MSNBC and as a feature story on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

Bryan Vaughan's helmet cam video that provided all fodder for the networks has now been viewed over 19,000 times online, with hundreds of thousands of additional views on television.

The investigation remains open, and no suspects have yet been identified. Anyone with information is urged to contact Corporal M. Smolarsky at 301-475-4200 x 1960 or call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. Tipsters can also text their tips in to “TIP239” plus your message to “CRIMES” (274637). Callers and tipsters do not have to leave a name, just the information. If the information leads to the arrest and conviction, the caller/tipster may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Comments

[Geoff R]

I think it is great this is getting national attention, but have you guys actually watched it?On the broadcast, he refers to this as a charity ride (not that big of a deal, I guess), but on the web, the video on there with a blurb about severe weather, and then the statement "on a less serious note..."

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/05/19/2322794.aspx

I almost think it is worse if this on the national news but portrayed as not serious- like someone pointed out, you don't want to create copycats. I think I will be sending MSNBC an e-mail letting them know it is serious.

[Christian]

Were there any corner marshals? You can't see one in the video.

There's one photo of a tack/nail in the video. Is there proof or witness of others?

[supfast]

We need Lance!