James SikesDenis Poroy
U.S. blogs, gossip websites and anonymous tipsters have seized on the story of James Sikes, the California real estate agent who frantically called 911 to say his 2008 Toyota Prius had accelerated on its own past 140 kilometres an hour.
Some have purported to detail his financial problems, suggesting they cast doubt on his account. Others even called him the next "balloon boy," accusing him of seeking publicity or cash through a lawsuit.
In a brief phone interview with The Globe and Mail, Mr. Sikes, 61, stood by his story, speaking from his home in Jacumba, Calif., outside San Diego.
"You know, everyone thinks I'm suing, so they're going after me, thinking I'm destitute or whatever. I can't do anything about it. They're just trying to bury me and kill my career," Mr. Sikes said.
He acknowledged filing for bankruptcy, as had many other California real estate agents: "I think about 95 per cent of the realtors filed bankruptcy you know, two to three years ago. Then they are taking issues that I've had, and you know, building that up, like it's an issue or like I'm a bad person."
He says he is not seeking any money from Toyota, which has been reeling from reports of sudden acceleration incidents and forced to recall millions of vehicles for sticky accelerator pedals. Certain Prius models have also been recalled for brake issues.
"I don't want money. I want them to find and fix the problem."
Mr. Sikes vehemently denied accusations that the Monday afternoon incident was a hoax.
"What's my benefit? You have to have a benefit. I have no benefit," Mr. Sikes said. " …You know, I would have been better off dying. My wife would have got money. And you know, then they would have done something and known it was real."
The California Highway Patrol says it has no evidence to doubt Mr. Sikes story. One of its officers caught up with Mr. Sikes and, using a loudspeaker, shouted instructions for him to stand on his brakes and put on his emergency brake. The car began to slow down and Mr. Sikes turned off the engine.
The officer on the scene reported smelling burning brakes when he caught up with the car, as well as seeing smoke coming from the car's brakes.
"Of course there's all this speculation about his intent and all this other stuff," said Officer Brian Pennings, a police spokesman. "There's no factual information that's been presented to the Highway Patrol or that the Highway Patrol is aware of that would discredit his story."
He said that police considered the matter closed, and were leaving the rest of the investigation in the hands of officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Toyota, who inspected the car after the incident.
A Toyota executive said he was "mystified" by Mr. Sikes account.
Don Esmond, senior vice-president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, said all Priuses have a computer system that cuts power to the wheels if the brake and gas pedals are pushed at the same time.
"It's tough for us to say if we're skeptical. I'm mystified in how it could happen with the brake override system," Mr. Esmond told The Associated Press.