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NYC Cop caught on video assaulting cyclist

this is really messed up.
ny's finest

erok
2008-07-28 14:01:05

New interview with Christopher Long, the struck cyclist.


He spent 27 hours in jail after this. Man.


dennis
2008-09-19 05:31:04

I know that part of the idea of Critical Mass is lack of specific oversight/direction, but I do think, given the increasing visibility of the cycling movement, that it might be time for CM to decide whether it's a protest or a celebration. I think part of the reason MLK's demonstrations in the 60s were so successful is that they were well-organized and had a clearly stated goal.


Most of the 'protest' I've encountered at CM has seemed like cyclists, finally backed up by a bunch of other bikes, feeling free to lash out at motorists. The tone of these exchanges was identical, in my mind, to the tone used by angry SUV pilots telling me to get off the road.


I guess I've always hoped that CM would be a high-visibility celebration of alternative transportation - an example to frustrated drivers trapped in traffic that there is a great alternative to 3000lbs of steel and a bunch of dead dinos.


The real kicker for me recently has been the unwillingness of the CM group to allow cars a lane or two when we have plenty of space to spare them (like along 5th in Oakland). I believe the law states that when possible a lane has to be left open. In one extreme example, a friend of mine reminded a rider that we needed to leave one (out of 4) lanes open to allow a woman and her children to drive their van through. The rider told my friend that she was 'an idiot' and that she was 'the problem with cyclists'. The rider then proceeded to intentionally block the progress of the woman in the van. Behavior like that, I think, really hurts the alternative transportation movement.


Again, is this an aggressive protest, a passive protest, or a celebration? We'd better decide, or face consequences like bicycle registration and anti-bike laws. I used to have fun at CM, now if I go, I do it because I feel that I need to be there to represent the cyclists that aren't whiny little kids imagining themselves holy warriors out to combat motorists. Sigh.


Blake


blakeirvin
2008-09-24 15:12:56

Police officer pleads “not guilty” in cyclist assault case…

from urban velo by Urban Jeff


Patrick Pogan, the police officer who blatantly used excessive force against NYC cyclist Christopher Long has pleaded “not guilty” to charges in court. According to the Associated Press:


Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau said Pogan was charged with falsifying business records and filing a false instrument. Both are felonies punishable by sixteen months to four years in prison.


He also faces misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, second-degree harassment and making a punishable false written statement.


Read more at My Way News.


erok
2008-12-17 15:46:36

I'm a lawyer. I also drafted "use of force" (Rules of Engagement) in the Army. That officer should have been jailed. You or I would have been had we done the same. No matter how you cut it or what you might guess this cyclist did a mile or so up the road, it was a premeditated assault. This cyclist posed no imminent threat of harm to anyone, and actually went out of his way to avoid the officer. Police officers like that should be fired and never permitted to work in law enforcement again when they violate the public trust in that manner. Classic example of a guy whose badge makes him tough. Reprehensible.


deluxe
2008-12-17 16:10:10

I'm not entirely sure the officer is completely at fault. Oh, sure, he did the crime but I believe that he was actually trained to do that and, fresh out of the academy, he was doing what he thought he was supposed to do.


Since the Republican National Convention in 2004, Critical Mass has been targeted by the NYPD using any number of repressive tactics. They have arrested hundreds. They have created roadblocks, refusing to allow cyclists through, trying to direct them the wrong way down one-way streets and then arresting them for blocking traffic. They have re-categorized bicycles, not as transportation, but as a technique of political protest. They have attempted to declare Critical Mass a parade or a political rally or some other definition that requires a permit. And, it would seem, they are teaching their recruits that Critical Mass is the enemy, leading young punks like this one to act out the way they were encouraged to.


(Can you tell that I just got a copy of "Still We Ride"?)


One would like to think that this rogue cop going to jail for felony assault would get the rest of them to wise up and realize that they have to obey the law they are charged to enforce. However, like so often seems to happen when cops go down for being criminals, the rest of the cops will likely rally, raise the banner of oppression and persecution, and become even worse.


The streets belong to the NYPD and they'll be damned before they allow those dirty hippies take it over. Sounds familiar.


kordite
2008-12-17 21:06:02

>>People on this board said that they ride the Hot Metal Bridge as opposed to the Bike/Ped bridge because it is easier. Well, that's the problem.

>It shouldn't be a problem. Bikes are traffic, just like cars, and depending on where one is coming from and where one is going to, the Hot Metal Bridge might not get you there. I should not be forced to take the roundabout way of getting somewhere on a bike trail when there is a perfectly good road for me to ride on legally.


I was comparing the Hot Metal Bridge (vehicle) to the Hot Metal Bike/Ped Bridge. They are 3 feet appart, I do not think that that is a "roundabout way".


Plus, when one is speaking about an issue that could involve life and death (getting hit by a car going 25 miles an hour faster than you), then yes, I do think one should use the round about way. Whether legal or not, it is the SMART thing to do.


"Because I can" is not a poor excuse as a soul reason to do something.


jim
2009-01-15 15:34:34

I was comparing the Hot Metal Bridge (vehicle) to the Hot Metal Bike/Ped Bridge. They are 3 feet appart, I do not think that that is a "roundabout way".


If one intends to take Second Ave towards Greenfield or Hazelwood, using the Bike-Ped bridge to the trail results in having to make a left-hand turn across 2nd Ave in the aforementioned faster traffic. If it were me, I'd rather just hang with traffic on the bridge, make the right using the light, and go about my business. Much safer that way...


reddan
2009-01-16 14:31:30

Pogon will just become a cop in some town out on Long Island, which is where he lives.


He should be prosecuted for assault.


dennis
2009-02-22 04:37:45

Well, I'm a softy on crime. I don't think he needs the whole 4 years in prison or anything, but he does need to spend a month or two meditating on this. I hope the jury or judge doesn't decide he needn't go to jail.


Unintended irony this quote from the cylist is probably a fiction as well as the rest of the report:


"You are pawns in the game. I'm going to have your job," Long told Pogan, as he flailed and kicked his arms and legs, according to the complaint


Mick


mick
2010-04-27 00:43:18

It's outstanding to see the truth come out in this, but it would be a lot more useful to see some changes take place in a clearly screwed up police department, rather than hang this individual out to dry. But, not gonna happen.

That statement is awfully erudite for someone who was just knocked kicking and flailing to the ground. Sounds like somebody watched one too many episodes of "24".


edmonds59
2010-04-27 02:10:26

They should charge him with perjury.


ndromb
2010-04-27 03:55:44

Perjury? No, the documents he is charged with falsifying weren't under oath. He still could get up to four years for it.


BTW, here is an article that tells the story from a point of view that is sympathetic to Pogan.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/nyregion/24pogan.html


If this was all a person heard of it, they would probably side with the cop. If someone heard a bunch of testimony like this story and then saw the youtube vid, they might interpret it differently than we do. It doesn't appear that Pogan is clearly telling the rider to stop, but he might be.


There was supposedly another video taken by a rider behind Long. It supposedly shows him going through a red light and lifting both his arms up "in triumph" (one finger salute? don't know). It also supposedly confirms Long trying to get away, telling the cops they are pawns and saying "assault me." I have not been able to find this video on Youtube.


BTW, here's a tape about a simlar incident


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT9aFrDIGTo&NR=1


" Sgt Horohoe however, was never reprimanded and simply received instructions from his superior on the proper procedures for handling like situations in the future. "


Toss a coin as to whether Pogan gets to go be a cop on Lawn Guyland or not...


Mick


mick
2010-04-27 05:37:44

Has there been notable trouble in Pittsburgh concerning CM? These extreme reports are scary.


saltm513
2010-04-27 08:37:16

Nothing really. I remember maybe 3 years back a Critical Mass getting broken up but they mostly get ignored these days.


alankhg
2010-04-27 10:36:44

Saltm, there was really just one incident with one bad dude who had some authority/anger management/Napoleon complex issues, the guy who recently got the boot for beating his girlfriend. Shudder.

My perception is that in general the pgh force is a pretty good, professional bunch, with better things to do.

Anyway, one more plus for helmet cams!


edmonds59
2010-04-27 11:21:32

With so many people trying to keep him from coming back, even if he did get reinstated, you would think it would make for a hostile work environment. I could see arguing for owed back wages, but I would think its time to move on.


netviln
2010-04-27 16:01:12