A 19-year-old man who inexplicably targeted bicyclists on the Springwater Corridor Trail by throwing rocks at them was sentenced Thursday to 30 days in jail and three years of probation.

Four strangers were targeted on June 13 where the paved trail travels under Interstate 205 in Southeast Portland. One cyclist was hit, fell off his bike and suffered a bloody elbow, plus a “visible knot” on his arm where the rock struck, authorities said.

Leonel Rios-Diaz told police who arrested him that he hadn’t targeted anyone and the cyclists were lying, according to a probable cause affidavit. Rios-Diaz’s cousin, a minor, told police he threw rocks and punched one of the cyclists in the shoulder because he was upset with cyclists riding by him too quickly. The cousin was prosecuted as a juvenile.

Investigators said one of the people attacked by Rios-Diaz and his cousin had agreed to buy them cigarettes. It’s unclear from court papers why they would have targeted that man.

Rios-Diaz told authorities he was under the influence of alcohol.

Rios-Diaz pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree assault in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

“It’s very clear to me that this is a case involving a very young person who made a terrible decision and who frankly probably didn’t appreciate how dangerous his conduct was and how bad it could have been,” said Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero.

Defense attorney Kathleen Dunn added: “Mr. Rios is a very youthful 19-year-old. At this point, I think he has some growing up to do. I think his working with his probation officer will assist him in that regard.”

Rios-Diaz told the judge he has a job in the construction industry. He didn’t graduate from high school, according to court papers.

As part of his sentence, Rios-Diaz must obtain his GED, work or go to school and complete 80 hours of community service. His probation will be supervised under the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program, which aims to connect defendants with housing, counseling and other tools needed to succeed in life.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge David Rees approved the plea deal that the prosecution and the defense negotiated. Rees told Rios-Diaz that state sentencing guidelines recommended about three years in prison.

“You’re getting a great opportunity to avoid more serious consequences,” the judge said. “It’s your job to take advantage of it. That has to be your number one priority.”

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

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