A driver accused of hitting a motorcyclist on purpose while driving on the Coronado Bridge made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Phillip Eggers, 24, is accused of injuring two people while driving and is charged with two counts of first degree attempted murder. He is also charged with child endangerment, because his girlfriend's 3-year-old son was in car with him.
Court records obtained by NBC 7 reveal the suspect has a prior criminal record, and a history of mental health problems.
Last Saturday, witnesses say a motorcyclist exchanged words and gestures with Eggers, who then swerved into the bike.
California Highway Patrol officers arrested Eggers for his actions in that alleged road rage incident, near the San Diego side of the Coronado Bridge.
But after reviewing the evidence, prosecutors today downgraded those charges to assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.
The prosecutor said Eggers was seen weaving in and out of traffic, as he entered the bridge
One witness said Eggers sped away after hitting the motorcycle, and tried to run from the scene, after he finally stopped his car in Coronado.
But his lawyer said the motorcycle was in Eggers' blind spot, and that he never intended to hit it. The lawyer said it was an "unfortunate accident.”
The judge set bail for Eggers at $250,000.
