by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A Cibolo man has been arrested after investigators say he intentionally interfered with a Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputy attempting to stop a street racing suspect and ultimately rammed the deputy's patrol vehicle while traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar announced the arrest of 26-year-old Cyrus Jason Eckman, who now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the early morning incident on June 18.
Eckman is charged with Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle, Criminal Mischief causing between $2,500 and $30,000 in damage, Interfering with an Investigation of a Highway Race, Collision Involving Damage to a Vehicle, and Racing on a Highway.
According to Sheriff Salazar, shortly after midnight a deputy observed a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle racing on Loop 410 at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
The deputy accelerated in an attempt to catch up while operating in stealth mode without emergency lights activated. As the deputy closed the distance, he observed the motorcycle moving toward an exit lane and believed the rider was preparing to flee. The deputy instead focused on stopping the car involved in the race.
Investigators say Eckman, who was riding the motorcycle, suddenly maneuvered back in front of the deputy's patrol unit and positioned himself between the deputy and the fleeing vehicle.
Authorities allege Eckman repeatedly changed lanes to block the deputy's path while continuing to travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Sheriff Salazar said Eckman also made obscene gestures toward the deputy during the encounter.
The deputy attempted several times to pass the motorcycle and continue pursuing the other racer, but each time Eckman allegedly moved in front of the patrol unit to prevent the deputy from advancing.
The confrontation escalated when the motorcycle allegedly struck the side of the deputy's patrol vehicle, causing damage.
Following the collision, the deputy terminated the pursuit.
Investigators later identified the driver of the fleeing vehicle through investigative leads and interviewed that individual over the weekend. Information obtained during that interview helped detectives identify Eckman as the motorcyclist.
Sheriff Salazar said investigators also traced the motorcycle through additional evidence. The BMW motorcycle was described as a rare model, with only a limited number recently sold in the San Antonio area. Detectives also used the rider's distinctive helmet as part of the identification process.
Deputies located Eckman in Cibolo on June 23 and took him into custody without incident. His motorcycle was seized as evidence.
Investigators learned that Eckman and the driver of the car had reportedly met earlier that evening while watching World Cup soccer at a local bar. According to authorities, the two became acquainted while socializing before deciding to race on the highway.
The motorcycle involved in the incident reportedly did not display a license plate.
Sheriff Salazar also revealed that after the pursuit ended, the driver of the fleeing car was involved in a separate crash being investigated by the San Antonio Police Department. Authorities suspect alcohol may have been a factor in that collision, and additional charges could be filed as that investigation continues. The vehicle involved in that crash was reportedly totaled.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office investigation remains ongoing.
