NBC 7 has learned the driver accused in Saturday’s road rage incident on the Coronado Bay Bridge has a prior criminal record and history of mental health problems.
A motorcyclist exchanged words and hand gestures with the driver of a blue BMW while both were traveling westbound atop the bridge around 6 p.m.
San Diego police investigators say the BMW driver intentionally struck the motorcycle. Two people were thrown from the bike.
The BMW driver, Phillip Michael Eggers was booked on two felony charges including first-degree attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. He is slated to be arraigned Wednesday.
According to court records, Eggers, 24, has three prior criminal cases. He has also admitted to previous street racing, according to psychological reports.
Documents show that in 2011, Eggers’ attorneys sought to have him serve the entirety of a 36-month sentence for burglary at the Vista Detention facility to assure that he receive “proper medication and treatment.”
Prior to his incarceration, Eggers was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder and ADHD the court records show. At the time, he was being treated with “medication management and individual therapy.”
Court paperwork shows Eggers behavioral problems started in the second grade. By the fifth grade it was determined he had “severe learning disabilities.” At this time, documents show, he was hospitalized at Sharp Hospital for ‘out of control behavior’.
Psychological reports included in the court documents indicate a long and significant history of emotional problems. In 2008, a doctor determined Eggers has ‘severe bipolar disorder’ and ‘angry outbursts.’
It also says when properly medicated and treated, Eggers is a ‘model citizen.’
A former attorney for Eggers said the description of Saturday's incident is "out of character" and he describes Eggers as a "gentle, non-violent" person.
Another significant finding comes from a psychological report that talks about his involvement with streets racing and use of a modified Corvette, which belonged to his father. “I’ve been in my share of street races,” Eggers tells the psychologist.