A young Ontario man travelling in China says he has been blamed for a bike-moped crash and the family of an injured woman is demanding he cover medical expenses.
Jacob Gerow, 20, said he was riding in a rickshaw, which was being dragged by a bike, earlier this week down a road in Huangshan, a mountainous area in the Anhui province in eastern China.
The resident of Alexandria, Ont., added he then asked to take control and when he was riding the bike with the rickshaw driver in the back, he collided with a moped, a low-powered motorcycle.
An elderly woman who was riding on the moped suffered a broken leg and her family is now demanding $20,000 from Gerow to cover the medical costs, the man told CBC News.
'It is not uncommon for foreigners to be blamed for accidents even though they are not at fault."
—Department of Foreign Affairs website
From his hotel room in China, Gerow said he has spent the last two days in his room in fear.
He also said police are not helping him and he feels intimidated, though officers have told him he can leave the hotel.
"The police and the family members are all in different spots and they're trying to be discreet about it," Gerow said. "But I know they're watching me all the time."
Canadians being blamed for traffic incidents
On its website, Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs warns Canadians about being blamed for traffic incidents in China, mentioning driving and not cycling.
"Foreigners driving in China face harsh penalties if they are involved in an accident. Police officers have the right to detain foreigners suspected of being responsible for road accidents until their case is closed, which can take years," the website reads.
"It is not uncommon for foreigners to be blamed for accidents even though they are not at fault."
Gerow has not been officially charged in the crash, he said, but he would accept allegations if that helps him leave the country.
Family willing to offer money
The department of foreign affairs confirmed to CBC News they are helping a Canadian citizen currently in Huangshan, but they would not release a name.
From his home just southeast of Ottawa, Gerow's father Aaron said the family is willing to offer money to help get Jacob home. They are currently working with consular officials in Shanghai.
Meanwhile Jacob Gerow, who was born in Salzburg, Austria, said once he gets out of China he will never travel there again.
"I consider myself adventurous when it comes to travelling. I don't mind doing these sorts of things but I don't want to do this again, that's for sure," Gerow said.
