Metal Rod Pierces Windshield, Spears Driver’S Head Pizza Deliverer In Serious Condition; More Witnesses Sought By Police

Thu., Aug. 3, 2000

By Mike Roarke mikero@spokesman.com

A driver for a North Side pizza restaurant survived having his head pierced by a 2-foot piece of metal rebar Tuesday night.

Ezra Bias, 22, was in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center on Wednesday.

The incident is under investigation, sheriff’s Cpl. Dave Reagan said. It’s unclear where the rebar came from and how it shot through the victim’s windshield and into his head. Detectives are also unsure whether the man was able to drive a significant distance after the accident, or if he left the road immediately after he was injured.

Reagan said the man was driving south in the 8000 block of North Freya about 7:30 p.m, making deliveries for Pizza Pipeline.

Witnesses in a northbound car saw Bias’ 1994 Ford Aspire leave the road and fall off an embankment. The car came to rest in some brush after rolling about 100 feet.

Witnesses told investigators they went to check on the driver and saw the piece of rebar pointing out the front of his head. Medics later discovered the metal was protruding 2-1/2 inches from the rear of Bias’ skull, leaving a mark on the headrest.

The windshield had a small hole, indicating the rebar came through head-on, rather than at an angle or sideways.

Rebar is used by construction companies to hold concrete together.

Bias was taken to the hospital. Reagan said the man was at times awake and speaking with doctors as they removed the rebar from his head.

Sheriff’s Cpl. Tom Henderson spoke with Bias Wednesday morning, but did not learn how the accident occurred.

“The fact he is able to talk and comprehend is amazing,” Henderson said.

Investigators are seeking witnesses who may have seen a suspicious vehicle or pedestrian in the 8000 block of North Freya between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call 477-6044 or Crime Check at 456-2233.

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