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Highlands Today

Golf Cart Driver Says He 'Just Flipped' Before Hitting Bicyclist

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By BRAD DICKERSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2008

SEBRING - Clyde Priest said he "just flipped" before striking a bicyclist with his golf cart.

Priest, 77, of 7902 Istokpoga St., was arrested Oct. 8 and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (motor vehicle) in reference to the incident, which occurred on Davis Drive in Sebring.

The altercation caused a minor laceration to the victim's right leg, while damaging the bike to the point it could no longer be ridden, according to the arrest report.

Priest said he and the victim have been involved in an ongoing neighbor dispute for a few years. He added that he had filed a trespassing complaint against the individual with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.

Records indicate that both a criminal mischief and trespassing complaint were filed by Priest against the victim on June 9, 2007 and June 25, 2007, respectively.

On the trespassing charge, the report stated it "appears to be an ongoing neighbor dispute and due to the lack of any independent witnesses and any other evidence, it is unfounded."

The criminal mischief report said the victim denied any involvement. The investigating officer also classified it as an ongoing neighbor dispute.

Priest indicated he had not filed a restraining order against the victim

For his charge, Priest said he plans to plead not guilty at his arraignment on Nov. 17 and have his day in court.

"I ran into his bike," he said. "I didn't hit him at all."

Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com.

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