Ex-Ontario Attorny-General Michael Bryant arrested after death of cyclist

About this topic

Posted by joe 3 years ago. There are 78 posts. The latest reply is from sdtrysdt15.

Tags

joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
This news is everywhere this morning. The former Attorney-General of Ontario, Michael Bryant, has been arrested after an "altercation" with a cyclist in which a cyclist was seen hanging on to a fleeing car. The cyclist passed away later in hospital.

From the Toronto Star:
- Former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant has been arrested after a cyclist was killed last night while hanging on to a fleeing car, police sources say.
  
  The crash occurred on Bloor St. near Bay St. around 9:45 p.m. when witnesses said a male cyclist in his 20s collided with a black Saab.
  
  Witnesses said the cyclist hung onto the driver's side of the car, which had its convertible top down, while the driver allegedly yelled at him to get off.
  
  The vehicle then veered onto the eastbound lanes and mounted the curb, brushing against trees and poles, witnesses said.
  
  "He was driving on the wrong side of the street and up on the curb trying to knock him off the car for about 100 metres," said Ryan Brazeau, a worker with a crew laying sewer pipes on Bloor.
  
  Michael Bryant, as Minister of Economic Development, leaves a Queen's Park press conference in February, 2009.
This thread will be updated with related stories from other media outlets.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

More Coverage:

National Post: Former Ontario attorney general in custody after fatal crash

CTV: Bryant reportedly questioned about fatal collision

Globe & Mail: Michael Bryant in police custody

CBC: Former Ont. attorney general held after fatal accident
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

A few photos from media coverage:

Former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant sits in the back seat of a police cruiser near Bloor and Avenue Road in downtown Toronto, late Monday, Aug. 31, 2009.

The bike involved in the incident sits surrounded by police tape near Bloor and Avenue Road in downtown Toronto, late Monday, Aug. 31, 2009.

A Saab convertible that Michael Bryant was apparently driving sits damaged in the parking lot of the Park Hyatt Toronto on Avenue in downtown Toronto, late Monday, Aug. 31, 2009

All images from CTV.
toddtyrtle
Moderator
Posted 3 years ago #

Absolutely insane. I'm outraged that someone would behave like this. On the other hand, it's yet another reminder to try as much as possible to avoid conflict with motorists. Some people turn crazy behind the wheel...
Scarr
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

Ugly indeed. I'm reserving full judgement until more details come to light though. I'd hate to denounce Mr. Bryant only to find out the cyclist was doing something even more crazy. (not outside the realm of reason, sadly.. that U-Lock beating video from NYC still fresh in mind) In any event, this should never have escalated to the point that it did.

Edit: From the CBC article
"The cyclist ended up on the side of the car, holding on, and the driver continued along, driving westbound on Bloor Street [West]."

But THAT is idiotic. So neither of these guys could have backed down just a bit? Jeebus.
sandlynx
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

Just guessing: The cyclist, after being hit (rear derailleur and chain are missing), wants the driver to make restitution, comes around to the driver's side of the car to get him to pay up. The driver says screw-you and takes off. The cyclist hangs on to the door, expecting that anyone noticing him clinging there will stop. But he doesn't stop, instead the driver tries to wipe the cyclist off by banging into trees and mailboxes.
...
The driver tries to wipe the cyclist off using trees and mailboxes! This is my clue that the driver is the perp here. Even in the heat of an argument, if you try to drive off, and the cyclist clings to your door, you yield, stop, and try using discussion to solve the situation--not assault by vehicle as the solution. just my perspective.
toddtyrtle
Moderator
Posted 3 years ago #

I agree with that perspective. We talk a lot about the "right of weigh" when dealing with motorists. There needs to be more awareness of "the responsibilities of weigh" I think. At absolute best this man operated a vehicle negligently. For example it might be said that the cyclist threatened him and he responded with deadly force. Sort of like shooting someone on your porch threatening to come in and steal your stuff. You don't operate something with that much deadly potential in such an irresponsible way, period.
Scarr
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

There looks to be an update here;

http://www.thestar.com/article/689220

More info on the cyclist involved.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
Thanks Scarr. CTV updated their coverage too.
- "I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of (the deceased cyclist) Mr. (Darcy Allen) Sheppard," he said, choking back tears. "To all those who offered support to my family in the last 12 hours, thank you."
  
  He asked the media to respect his family's need for distance and privacy for the next few days and said he will not be making further comments on the incident.
  
  Bryant, 43, has also been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
  
  The fatal crash is the result of an apparent altercation that took place between a motorist and a cyclist over several blocks on Bloor Street, from Church Street to Avenue Road, just before 10 p.m.
  
  The 33-year-old cyclist later died.
  
  Darcy Allan Sheppard, a bike courier working in Toronto, was killed in a traffic incident, Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. Mr. Sheppard is seen in this image made available to CTV Toronto.
  
  Darcy Allan Sheppard, a bike courier working in Toronto, was killed in a traffic incident, Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. Mr. Sheppard is seen in this image made available to CTV Toronto.
  
  Former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant speaks to reporters outside Traffic Services headquarters in downtown Toronto, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009.
toddtyrtle
Moderator
Posted 3 years ago #

I'm sorry, I realize I'm acting partly on conjecture here because I wasn't there but really it seems obvious to me. Nobody gets charged with "Negligent operation of a handgun resulting in death" when they shoot someone - even if they thought that person was a threat. Why does he get off with that with a car?

I suppose with homicide involved there could be other charges pending.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

I agree Todd.

I guess since guns are designed to kill people and cars aren't (it's just an unfortunate side effect of using one irresponsibly), that's why the "negligent" wording is used.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

Just to make sure everyone knows... there is a memorial ride planned for tomorrow. I've also added this to the events calendar.
mikewhitla
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

As far as I can see this was a crime of passion.
The crime seems to me to be murder. What result was expected by Mr Bryant when Mr Sheppard was dragged down the street at breakneck speed?

"Negligent operation of a vehicle" come on?
toddtyrtle
Moderator
Posted 3 years ago #

Baseball bats are also designed for a different and equally benign purpose yet if I, in a fit of anger use it to beat another person to death that is not "Negligent operation of sporting equipment" nor does it deserve a lighter sentence.
mikewhitla
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

I had to look it up. From the Criminal Code of Canada:

"Murder

229. Culpable homicide is murder

(a) where the person who causes the death of a human being

(i) means to cause his death, or

(ii) means to cause him bodily harm that he knows is likely to cause his death, and is reckless whether death ensues or not;"

Seems like (ii) fits the bill.
tommyhorse
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

Not 2 weeks ago, on an international Cam-Am ride in Buffalo, I'm talking up how bike friendly we are in Southern Ontario, initiatives we've taken to attract bike touring like the Great Circle Route in Niagara and the bike train that crosses the province. And Americans are listening. And now we have a former Attorney-General of Ontario purposefully killing a cyclist following a disagreement! An Attorney-General no less! Not to lessen the overwhelming loss of a human life, but how the hell do I present cycling in Ontario when an Attorney General gets slapped with a couple traffic offences after purposefully trying to scrape a cyclist off his car, killing him? And after viewing surveillance videos and eyewitness accounts, the Toronto Police Services claim they treated him like anyone else, save the press conference of course, then quickly, and courteously naturally, released him on his own recognizance!

Let me think, bike courier vs a former Attorney General. Hmmmmmm.... I wonder who's going to land on his feet?
Bryan1
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

I regret that arrogance and egos have resulted in this death. I've noticed within the cycling community that there exists a yuppy arrogance and elitist attitude feigning to be in defense of an "oppressed minority" - much like within the gay community. Yes, it's understood that many motorists do not respect cyclists on the road, not giving them enough space, not looking out for them etc. I'm avidly aware of this as I frequent the streets on two wheels myself. Unfortunately, I almost NEVER see a cyclist obey ANY of the rules of the road. Blowing red lights is SO common that I expect it from all cyclists in Toronto - we cyclists in this city have made a name for ourselves, and it's not a positive one. I work in the medical profession and see cyclists hit all the time - very often it's due to their carelessness. This is not to dishonor the memory of Sheppard or any others who have been injured or killed on two wheels - but its a point that must be made.

Before we all hang the lawyer, take a look at the other side (reality). A person "known to Police" had been escorted in Police custody just an hour before this event. He is widely known even by his mourning friends to have a raging temper and a history of violence. He is living on the street - not a condemning factor in and of itself, but clearly paints a picture of someone not in control of themselves or their life. A minor collision occurs with no injuries resultant, and then this person verbally assaults the driver of this car. Then this person attempts to physically assault the driver of this car, resulting in him clinging to the side of the car (no sane person would ever behave like this - this alone shows that this lunatic was completely out of control and was in fact attempting to assault the driver of this car). In self defense, with his wife present with him in the car - the driver goes on to use evasive driving maneuvers to remove the assailant from his convertible top vehicle. Had the assailant had a gun (as so many in this city do), the quick thinking and well sorted reflexes of the driver likely would have saved his life and the life of his wife, celebrating their 12th anniversary that night. Thing is, he didn't have a gun - but nonetheless was attempting to physically assault the driver. I find the driver faultless in this case as the escalation of his "use of force" was in response to the escalation of the assailant's efforts to inflict injury or harm. This man died at his own hand, no different than if he had attacked a pedestrian, and received a fatal blow to the head when in self defense the other throws him to the ground. I sincerely hope all charges are dropped if the above is proven to be true. Either way, a very tragic loss of life.
jake
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

Bryan1 - You make great points.
I'm a cyclist and a driver, and when cycling, I'm extra careful to watch for what drivers are doing - since I'm going to be the one hurt in any accident involving a car. I value my health and my life. Perhaps Mr. Sheppard wasn't thinking this way when he wouldn't let go of a speeding car. I would have taken down the license plate, and called the police.

I also read about the police being called by Mr. Sheppard's ex-girlfriend, since he refused to leave. He was obviously very upset by this situation. Enough to hang onto a speeding car. I can imaging that Mr. Bryant was quite worried - someone he doesn't know, screaming at him, hanging onto his car (most likely inches from his head).

If I was in this situation - I certainly wouldn't stop the car and try to talk with him, and 'make sense'. Most likely, I'd be attacked. I would think that any cyclist in a rational state of mind would let go of my car once I started moving.

I hope that more fact come to light here, before we find that we didn't all pounce on 'the car driver' only to find out he was the innocent victim. Let the facts speak for themselves first, eh??
tommyhorse
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

"Let the facts speak for themselves first?"

A polished, silver-tongued former Attorney General, with a companion and 2 cell phones in a car in downtown Toronto, has no alternative in dealing with an aggressor but to scrape him off his car at high speed using a tree and a mailbox on the other side of the street! Despite his own legislation on street racing!

Now dems the facts! Let's not start blaming the victim, eh!
slantnose1
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

first off no one deserves to die in any situation but i have to say this guy had a police issue with his ex girlfriend just an hour prior so i am sure he was not in good spirits. then what ever happended at bloor and bay , maybe got cut off ?? who knows. unless he got caught up on the car the guy was hanging on to the car himself. what would you do if someone was coming at you and you had your wife in the car?? keep in mind he was in a convertable and very vulnerable. there was no drinking involved , no drugs?? so how did this happen. i can only speak from my own experience on bloor steeet, A bike courier flying along the street clearly did not stop and almost him MY car, he then turns around and punches my car !! clearly these guys are on the rampage and this situation is a text book story ! again no one needed to die but i am sure Mr. sheppard was not dragged , he was holding on to the car with his own strength and i am sure trying to strike back. Mr. Sheppard may have been a "great guy" but let's be honest here. the truth will come out and i am sure some will not be happy with the final word. Mr Bryant i am sure feels for the situation but when faced with this type of assult what would do? what would you do to protect your wife in the same situation?

let's not jump on the band wagon that Mr Sheppard was a saint because he was on a bike...there is far more to the story !
mikewhitla
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

As far as the truth coming out, I know that we will never hear the story according to Mr. Sheppard. He is dead. What we will get is the story from the side of an harvard educated lawyer-ex attorney general against a dead bike courier. It is true that it was crazy for Mr. Sheppard to continue to hold on to the car (if that was what happened) However, what was even more crazy was that Mr. Bryant did not stop the vehicle. He was lucky that he did not kill other people on the street as he recklessly drove on the sidewalk on the other side of the street.

What seems to me unjust is that when a crime is committed with the car as a weapon we have special lessor criminal charges. This may not particularly apply here in this case.
Who knows though I was not there. I did not see what happened.

What this really is a symptom of a bigger problem in our cities. We need to figure out a way to make peace on our streets. The way people get angry at each other has to change. We all need to learn to share the road
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

I just posted some photos from yesterday's bike courier protest/sit-in over in the memorial thread.
Scarr
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

One more update here.

http://www.thestar.com/article/689771

I'm really having trouble feeling immediately sympathetic for either Darcy Allan Sheppard or Michael Bryant, given what's being reported. I mean I know that's not politically expedient for a bike enthusiast. I'm supposed to side with Darcy. But how can I? Neither of these guys has a good excuse for the outcome. One is dead, which is tragic (doubly so since he's a father) but it was just so avoidable all around.

I feel terrible for the families of both. Mr. Sheppard is dead, but Bryant doesn't get off either. It's easy to think he's going to get a light sentence and then everything is fine and dandy in his world, but he'll have to live with that day for the rest of his life. What he could have done, what might have been.

So my personal policy, more than ever before; de-escalate. I have the capacity to do it, so I have to do it, especially if the other party (let's call them a car driver for this discussion) may not have the capacity to control themselves. Demonstrably class or status doesn't play a part in rationality.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
The story has hit the New York Times:
- Canadian Politician Charged in Death
  
  As the high-profile attorney general for Ontario, Michael Bryant had championed severe and controversial traffic safety laws. On Tuesday, he was charged with criminal negligence causing death and with dangerous driving causing death in an unusually violent episode of road rage involving a bicyclist.
  
  The arrest of Mr. Bryant stemmed from a collision between a bicycle and an automobile in Toronto’s most prestigious shopping district late Monday evening. The episode started off as minor but swiftly escalated, leading to the death of Darcy Allan Sheppard, 33, who was identified as a bicycle courier.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

Great discussions here. Scarr sums it up pretty well that unfortunately this is a case of two people letting road rage get the better of them.

It sounds like Sheppard wasn't in the best frame of mind (having a dust-up with another motorist earlier in the evening) and probably shouldn't have held on to Bryant's car (and continued to hold on, unless he was physically unable to let go), and of course Bryant shouldn't have kept driving (although some witness accounts say that the driver looked scared of the cyclist).

A few seconds, many bad decisions powered by adrenalin.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
The Globe has some back-story on Sheppard:
- Courier had history with police
  
  Although admired by his co-workers for his charisma and adored by his friends and family for his comedy, Darcy Allan Sheppard had a darker side.
  
  The night he was killed in a collision that is alleged to have involved former Ontario attorney-general Michael Bryant, the 33-year-old bike messenger was in a confrontation with police, and 61 warrants for his arrest were outstanding in Alberta.
  
  His family, co-workers and friends were in shock yesterday, and his adoptive father, who had just returned to Alberta after a visit, was on his way back to Toronto.
JM
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

I'm sorry the man died, but i think it's motorists turn now.

tomorrow, motorists should shut down highways for a cyclist causing his own death with an automobile
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
Great follow-up coverage by TreeHugger:
- Friends describe Sheppard as at "total sweetheart." Outraged cyclists are holding protest rallies.
  
  But this is Ontario, and the establishment sticks together to support one of their own and blame the victim. Today Darcy Sheppard is being described in the Star as a "troubled spirit," who "variously battled his drinking problem, drug addiction and other troubles."
  
  Even his girlfriend is quoted as noting his behavior that evening was pretty normal:
  
  We all have our demons to deal with and I'm not saying anything was out of place ... he was angry at the world, at everything."
  
  He also had words with police an hour before he died. The Star describes the scene:
  
  "He had a relapse," said [roommate Jordana] Maxwell, 30. "He came to us, because we're his family. I said, "Let him come back upstairs." The officer said, "No, he needs to go home." I said, "He can't make it home, he's intoxicated. He cannot ride a bike." We begged them. They said, "He will not go back upstairs." And they put him on the road."
  
  ...
  
  I am an urban cyclist. I have sometimes become extremely angry at drivers who act like jerks and almost run me over on right turns while they talk on the phone. I have wanted to pound a few cars in my time on the road. I have also seen bike couriers do some crazy and irresponsible things and would like to yell at them for giving cyclists a bad name, but don't want to get pounded by someone a lot younger and stronger than me. A lot of people in Toronto, both cyclists and drivers, are quoting John Bradford today: "There, but for the grace of God, go I".
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
CP24 is reporting that Bryant says he's innocent:
- The former Ontario cabinet minister criminally charged in the death of a bicycle courier says he's innocent of the accusations against him.
  
  Michael Bryant made the comments in a statement Wednesday announcing his resignation as CEO of Invest Toronto, a brand-new corporation tasked with attracting investment to the city.
  
  "Let me be clear: I am innocent of the very serious accusations made against me," Bryant said in the statement.
Scarr
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

The Treehugger article coupled with this Christie Blatchford article that the Treehugger article links to seems to sum up the best opinion I've read. Not just because I agree, but because it expands on points I haven't heard articulated as well (and that I think we've all been trying to make).
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #

Wow. The Top 10 viewed Toronto articles on the Globe and Mail's site ALL have to do with this:

1. Bryant resigns as head of Invest Toronto
2. Bryant's story shocking, sobering – far too common
3. Bike victim had a police past
4. Flowers, notes mark Toronto memorial for cyclist
5. A cyclist dead, a political star tarnished
6. An overachiever's supreme self-confidence shattered
7. Searching for a detente
8. Cyclist killed in Yorkville hit-and-run
9. Michael Bryant: "I will keep my trap shut'
10. Michael Bryant in profile
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
Pretty good piece about the memorial:
- Flowers, notes mark Toronto memorial for cyclist
  
  Bruce Wayne, a 40-year old part-time bike messenger, appeared distraught as he stopped to attach a message to the mailbox that read, “going to miss you Al.” Mr. Wayne has known Mr. Sheppard since he moved to Toronto about 8 years ago from Newfoundland. He said the two men were both homeless at the time.
  
  “I met him on the streets,” he said. “We were panhandling.”
  
  But Mr. Wayne, said his friend – whom he called Wolverine Al – had been working hard over the years to clean up his act, finding work and fighting a drug addiction.
  
  “The biggest disappointment is that he spent all this time cleaning himself up and now this happened,” he said.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
From a legal perspective:
- Lawyers abuzz over Michael Bryant case
  
  Jonathan Rosenthal, who has extensive experience in motor vehicle cases, said he would look for evidence his client feared for his safety.
  
  "The only defence I see is him saying: `Listen, this guy had threatened me and I was scared he was trying to get in my car. I had to get away from him.'"
  
  ...
  
  Defence lawyer Colin Adams said such cases are fact-driven and the first thing he would do is get as much disclosure from the Crown as possible. He would try to find other witnesses. He might paper the area with signs seeking their help.
  
  And he would listen carefully to his client's explanation. Did he think he was being assaulted? "He might have simply been reacting instead of acting. An unconsidered reaction to some form of assault is a good defence in some circumstances."
tommyhorse
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

So the courier had been drinking! And was aggressive. And shouldn't have reached for the driver or grabbed hold of a car. But unless Bryant is an obstainer, and it's a rare animal in political life who doesn't drink at least socially, you think Bryant hadn't been drinking over dinner with his wife? And speaking of aggression, both men have been described as being tenacious and determined by nature.

But what strikes me as unfathomable, unless his judgement was impaired, are the actions of the former Attorney General. I mean if anyone can understand the human condition from a professional perspective, isn't it a lawyer, and even more so a lawyer who's a politician with tenure in the provincial cabinet? One who recently campaigned against street racing and drunk driving! Who better to maintain composure, keep impulse and aggression in control when under fire?

How could any sane Attorney General, former or current, allow himself to lash out so forcefully as to scrape someone off his car using a mailbox on the other side of the street!

I would not have done the same. And I'm sure the reader wouldn't either. Allowing the situation to get out of hand and being attacked physically, we all would feel frightened and might hit the gas, but that doesn't mean we have to drive recklessly. Both men clearly fed into the conflict. But isn't Bryant's behaviour the more outrageous!
brainstrained
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

I'm sorry, I realize I'm acting partly on conjecture here because I wasn't there but really it seems obvious to me. Nobody gets charged with "Negligent operation of a handgun resulting in death" when they shoot someone - even if they thought that person was a threat. Why does he get off with that with a car?

Bryant's not getting off with much if anything, there is just some confusion over the charges.

He is caused with "criminal negligence" causing death and "dangerous operation of a motor vehicle" causing death. The first charge can be applied if an accused mishandled a firearm in a negligent fashion causing death. The second charge is more specific to motor vehicles, but similar laws apply to the use of boats, and doesn't require the Crown to prove as high a disregard for human life as "criminal negligence".

By the way there are also criminal laws specific to firearms, such as "discharging a firearm with intent" and "pointing a firearm".
k10ery
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

^^ Of course, Michael Bryant was never your stereotypical Attorney-General. the Globe profile from last May quotes him explaining his love of boxing as: “I loved it from the start. It didn't matter how big you were, you could get in the ring and compete against people your own size. Plus, it's pretty primal. And it also assisted in giving people the wrong impression that they better not mess with me – which, mercifully, was rarely tested.”
Lemstone
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

I didn't know either man but from what I've read it seems that Sheppard was a drunk, aggressive loser who was out looking for a fight after a spat with his girlfriend and a visit from police. He was an asshole. Someone referred to him as a "sweetheart"...yeah, I bet.
michael
Member
Posted 3 years ago #

If I had someone 'crazed' individual hanging from the side of my car, threatening m, I know I would drive to speed up and hope they dropped off, or would try to rub them off. Too many attacks in cities to calmly slow down and ask what the problem is. Would see to me that this was an inevitable result of a stupid move on Sheppard's part.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
News outlets are continuing to pursue Sheppard's past:
- Dead cyclist a fraud suspect
  
  She was the waitress. He was the disc jockey.
  
  Sheppard went to Schlender's place for pizza "and he never left," 30-year-old Schlender said yesterday.
  
  It was about that time Edmonton Police went public in their appeal for Sheppard's whereabouts. He was wanted on 56 warrants, mostly related to cheque frauds and property crimes.
  
  Cops at the time said Sheppard often rode a bike, liked to frequent gambling establishments and in the past had slept in the river valley. Known mostly by his second name, he also went by Darcy Shane Cardinal.
  
  Sheppard was arrested, let out on bail and never showed for his July 2003 court appearance. Five more warrants were added to the pile. Edmonton cops would never catch up with him. He and Schlender hitchhiked across the Prairies to Winnipeg where they worked for the exhibition: He ran the Polar Express; she took pictures on the kiddie midway.
  
  The pair hitchhiked to Toronto in the fall of 2003 so Sheppard could spend some time with his son and daughter from a previous marriage. He had another daughter in Edmonton, but had signed away his parental rights, Schlender said. Soon, Schlender was pregnant with Andrew.
  
  As Sheppard struggled with his drug and alcohol addictions, the pair decided it was best if Schlender went back to Alberta, alone.
  
  "He was spiralling out of control and he knew he had to save us," she said.
joe
Admin
Posted 3 years ago #
Police looking at videos for clues to what really happened:
- Police probe videos to see if cyclist grabbed Bryant
  
  Police confirmed Wednesday night that they are sifting through video surveillance footage to determine the accuracy of witness accounts that suggest a cyclist was struggling for control of the steering wheel with former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant and that the cyclist appeared to be trying to wrestle Bryant into a headlock during Monday night's bizarre car-bike incident which ended in the 33-year-old man's death.
  
  "At this point, we're not sure if the victim was holding on to the headrest, the door or the wheel," said Det. Const. Lester Lalla, of Toronto Traffic Services. "We need a clearer look. In the video we have seen so far, we can't make that out. Much of what we have are distance shots or blurred."
  
  Lalla said he expects additional videos to arrive. "There's outstanding footage to be turned in," he said. "We still have videos coming in from businesses in the area."