Family Friend Defends 16-Year-Old Accused Of Causing Road Rage Crash

The family friend of a 16-year-old boy who police say hit a motorcyclist during a road rage incident said he feels terrible for what has happened. 

She said the boy stayed with the motorcyclist until help could get there. 

Toni said she's known the 16-year-old boy at the center of the incident since he was a toddler. 

"This is a child that is not the person they are portraying," Toni said. 

Tulsa Police said a woman was driving north on Highway 169 and tried to exit at 71st, but the teenager was getting on the highway, and wasn't happy she wouldn't let him over. 

Related Story: Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Road Rage Incident Caused By Teen, Police Say

"He got upset, threw a water bottle at her car, she went behind him to write his tag number down," said Sgt. Brian Collum with Tulsa Police. 

Police said the teenager got off at 61st and was driving down the center lane when he crashed into a motorcyclist trying to turn left. 

Toni said the boy was scared because the woman followed him. She said this never should have happened. 

"In the defense of the child, I don't think his name should be slandered because it could have been avoided had the lady merged like a normal good Samaritan would, it could all be avoided," she said. 

Toni said the teenager is so upset by what has happened, he doesn't want to drive anymore. She said they are all thankful the motorcyclist will be okay. 

"He could have ran, he could have done a hit-and-run and been so scared, but he stood right there in that traumatic event and was ready for his consequence," she said. 

Police gave three tickets to the teenager, reckless driving, violating his permit, and throwing an object from a moving vehicle. 

Police said the motorcyclist is recovering from terrible road rash and a gash in the head.