Teens Target Cyclists in Deadly Games of Hit-and-Run: Unraveling the Murders of Andreas Probst and Steven Gonzalez

August 14, 2023:

The Hit and Run of Cyclist Andreas Probst in Las Vegas Nevada

On the morning of August 14, 2023, Andreas Probst, a 64-year-old retired police chief, was enjoying his routine bicycle ride in the northwest part of Las Vegas near his home. Tragically, his ride was cut short when a 2016 Hyundai Elantra struck him from behind, and fled the scene at high speed. Probst was rushed to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Later that same day, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 17-year-old driver who was driving a stolen vehicle and suspected of being involved in other vehicle thefts. The name of the suspect has not been released at the time of this writing.

Andreas Probst had a distinguished 35-year career in law enforcement in California, culminating in his role as Chief of Police for the city of Bell, near Los Angeles. After retiring in 2009, he moved to Las Vegas, where he had a remote job with a security consulting firm and pursued his passion for cycling. Described as a man with a heart that embraced everyone, Probst was known for his welcoming nature and positive outlook on life.

August 29-31, 2023:

Emergence of Hit-and-Run Video Determines Intent

On August 29^th, a video of the hit-and-run that killed Andreas Probst was air-dropped around Arbor View High School and shared on social media. A source had provided the video to the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the reporter advised the source to send it to the police. 

On August 31, the Metropolitan Police Dept wrote a statement confirming that they had received the video of the intentional hit and run and deemed it a homicide. They upgraded the charges of the 17-year-old driver to include murder.

September 10, 2023:

Huntington Beach, CA: Driver Strikes 3 Separate Cyclists Killing Steven Gonzalez

On Sunday night, September 10, 2023, a series of three hit-and-run incidents involving cyclists shocked the community of Huntington Beach, CA. The first two cyclists walked away with minor injuries. The last victim at 10:45 p.m. was Steven Gonzalez, age 70, of Huntington Beach who was pronounced dead at the scene. These incidents occurred within 45 minutes and in close proximity, raising concerns and suspicions about their intent. 

September 12, 2023:

Teenage Male Arrested in Huntington Beach Cyclist Hit-and-Run Spree

On September 12th, Huntington Beach Police located and identified the suspect's vehicle, a damaged black Toyota Camry, within the city limits. This discovery led to the arrest of a male teenager at approximately 9 p.m. that same day. The suspect’s identity and possible motive remain protected due to legal standards protecting minors.

September 16, 2023:

Hit-and-Run Cyclist Murder Video Goes Viral on Social Media Sparking Flames of Controversy

The social media storm that ensued found its origins, in part, with posts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Prominent figures, including X's owner Elon Musk and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, were among those who stoked the flames of controversy.

The video footage itself is horribly disturbing and we will not re-post it. The passenger is filming the first event which is slamming into another vehicle and continuing to drive off. The video continues as the two individuals inside the car, audibly laughing as they approach Andreas Probst from behind. "Ready?" one of them callously utters, while the other responds with an equally disturbing directive, "Hit his ass." The car proceeds to violently collide with Probst from behind, propelling him over the vehicle's roof. As the car speeds off, the passenger turns the camera to capture the hit cyclist lying on the ground,

The video of the deliberate murder is a stark testament to the chilling intentional cruelty that unfolded that day. It has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a nationwide conversation about possible motives and the safety of cyclists on the road.

September 18, 2023:

Seeking Justice

Clark County District Attorney Wolfson released a statement about the murder of Andreas Probst, stating that he is confident justice will be served once the investigation is complete and all charges have been filed. The District Attorney's office is seeking to charge the teen as an adult. In Nevada, a 16 or 17-year-old who is charged with murder, is automatically moved to the adult system. 

Copycat Behavior in Teenage Deliberate Murder of Cyclists

In the aftermath of Andreas Probst's and Steven Gonzales’s murders, we cannot help but explore the possibility of a copycat scenario. The similarities between the hit-and-run incidents in Huntington Beach which included intentional murder and the intentional murder of Probst in Las Vegas just a few weeks earlier raises questions. The fact that both suspects are teens, and the timing of these events, following the circulation of the viral video, adds an eerie dimension to the motive.

Additionally, social media's role in promoting copycat violence is a concerning phenomenon. Evidence suggests that exposure to similar violent acts in the recent past can trigger youths to replicate these actions. The extensive coverage of such violent crimes on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok can inadvertently glorify and promote them among teenagers, contributing to a dangerous cycle. A prominent example of this issue is the recurring occurrence of gang violence broadcast on Facebook Live.

The Potential of Social Media's Negative Influence on Teen Behavior

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of teenagers, offering them a platform to interact with friends, share their thoughts and experiences, and explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings. However, constant exposure to social media can have a profound impact on teen behavior. The risk of negative behavior can include the following:

Factors that Can Contribute to Youth Violence

Understanding the motivations behind these acts of violence is a complex task. Experts suggest that a combination of psychological factors may be at play. Some teenagers may be drawn to these acts as a means of seeking attention, while others may be driven by a lack of empathy or a distorted sense of reality. In some cases, peer pressure and a desire to fit in with a particular group may also contribute to these horrifying acts.

In this article, How Does Social Media Affect Violence in Teenagers, SAFES breaks down the many contributing factors of youth Violence. It really is worth the read to gain a better understanding of what shapes young minds and actions.

Preventing Future Acts of Violence Against Cyclists

Preventing future tragedies requires a multifaceted approach. It encompasses infrastructure improvements, education, awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and community engagement.

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive road environment for cyclists, promoting responsible road-sharing, and fostering a culture of respect and empathy among all road users. Parents, educators, and authorities must work together to teach young individuals about empathy, responsibility, and the consequences of their actions.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies must rigorously investigate these incidents and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

The tragic murders of Andreas Probst and Steven Gonzalez, both innocent cyclists, have cast a dark shadow, raising unsettling questions about the influence of social media on teenagers and the potential for copycat violence. These heinous acts, driven by seemingly senseless motives, have shaken communities and ignited a nationwide conversation about the safety of cyclists on our roads.

The emergence of the viral video depicting Andreas Probst's deliberate murder serves as a chilling reminder of the power that social media wields over impressionable minds. The allure of recognition and notoriety on these platforms can lead some individuals down a dangerous path, where acts of violence become a means to an end. There is an urgent need for responsible social media consumption and education, as well as increased vigilance among parents, educators, and authorities.

Understanding the road to safety is paramount in our efforts to prevent future tragedies. Psychological factors, peer pressure, and a distorted sense of reality can all play a role in shaping these violent behaviors. Additionally, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes better infrastructure for safe travel, education on responsible road-sharing, social media content responsibility, and stricter penalties for violations of traffic laws that jeopardize cyclist safety.

Please, do not let the conversation end…..