PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Authorities are investigating after an alleged confrontation late Wednesday night on Pittsburgh’s South Side that left a bicyclist critically injured.

“We do suspect road rage; that it is a road rage-related incident,” said Lt. Kevin Kraus, of Pittsburgh Police.

It happened minutes before 11 p.m. when a 25-year-old man was riding his bicycle from Shadyside to his home on Josephine Street. He traveled over the Hot Metal Bridge at South Water Street.

“He may have inadvertently cut off a motor vehicle in traffic,” Lt. Kraus said.

The gray vehicle followed the rider to Harcum Way where the bicyclist hoisted his bike onto his shoulder and began hiking up the city steps toward home; that’s when officials say they believe the driver or the vehicle’s occupant got out and caught up with him.

“And began to repeatedly stab him in the head, and eventually sliced his throat from ear to the front of his neck,” added Lt. Kraus.

After the gruesome attack, the assailant reportedly dragged the victim’s bike down the stairs and discarded it a short distance away.

Bleeding profusely, the victim went looking for help.

“[He] continued a block down the street to Sarah Street while calling 911,” Lt. Kraus said.

The severely wounded cyclist was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital and reported to be in critical condition following surgery.

He has been able to talk with detectives, giving them a general description of the attacker and the vehicle. They are not releasing those details yet.

They are scanning video from surveillance cameras; and if you witnessed any of the attack or the initial confrontation, city police are asking you to contact them.

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