NANJING, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- A cyclist has been exempted from criminal liability in a case that involved the death of a driver in Kunshan city, east China's Jiangsu Province, local police and prosecutors announced Saturday.

The incident happened at around 9:30 p.m. Monday at a crossing in Kunshan, when Liu Hailong, 36, driving a BMW, almost crashed with Yu Haiming, 41, who was riding a bike in the bike lane. Liu stepped out of the car and attacked Yu on his neck, waist, and leg with a long knife, but Yu grabbed the knife during the fighting and stabbed Liu several times.

Liu died after emergency treatment failed.

An investigation showed that Liu was drunk driving that night, according to police.

Based on investigation and in accordance with relevant provisions of the Criminal Law, police said that Yu's act was regarded as justifiable defense and Yu should not bear criminal responsibility. Police have withdrawn Yu's case.