Ex-Officer Avoids Jail Time in Arrest of Times Square Bicyclist

[onehandle]

Source: New York Times

A former New York City police officer convicted of lying about a confrontation with a bicyclist in Times Square was given a conditional discharge on Wednesday in State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

The former officer, Patrick Pogan, had faced up to four years in prison, but will avoid any time behind bars. He also will not be placed on probation.

In April, a jury found Mr. Pogan guilty of filing a criminal complaint that contained false statements concerning a 2008 collision with Christopher Long, who was participating in a Critical Mass bike ride. Mr. Pogan’s complaint alleged that Mr. Long knocked him to the ground by intentionally steering his bicycle into him. But video footage of the episode, which was a viral presence on the Internet, showed that Mr. Pogan remained on his feet, while Mr. Long flew to the pavement.

Mr. Pogan was acquitted of falsifying the initial arrest report filed against Mr. Long. The jury also acquitted Mr. Pogan of a less serious charge of assault.

Read more: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/ex-officer-avoids-jail-time-in-arrest-of-times-square-bicyclist/?hp

[ixion]

1. Another bad day for the Rule of Law

as the corrupt enforcers walk free. :grr:

[louis-t]

2. Aqutted him of assault?... but...he... aarrggghhh!

Was the tape NOT allowed in court? The tape clearly showed the 'officer' charging at the cyclist and pushing him off of the bike. Then he lied on a police report. Infuriating.

[dmr]

9. Yup, here's the tape:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUkiyBVytRQ

[boppers]

10. Wow, that's pretty damning.

At least he was kicked off the force.

[louis-t]

11. THAT is assault. Stepped INTO the rider and pushed. Hard.

Rider was trying to avoid collision. What the Hell is wrong with the jury?

[frylock]

3. fuck tha police

[SocialistLez]

4. That's been my mantra lately...NT

[SILVER__FOX52]

5. They brought this on themselves...........

I actually, have developed a hatred for the police in this Country.

[Kelvin Mace]

6. Police whine about how hard their job is

Yes, it IS a very hard job. And thing like this make it all the harder. I am a law-abiding citizen and I think LONG and HARD before I call the police in a situation. My first question is, "Will they make it worse?"

[SILVER__FOX52]

12. Man, that is spot on and I know what you mean.

I have made that very assessment myself. Sad really, I was raised with the kindest feelings toward our cops but time has embittered me. The sad thing is that they are being used by a more malevolent power to abuse the citizens.

[Dawson Leery]

7. Police have brought disrespect on themselves when they

do these types of things.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

8. The courts are not looking too rosy either.

*sigh*

[SILVER__FOX52]

13. Very true.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

14. Nor the media.

"But video footage of the episode, which was a viral presence on the Internet, showed that Mr. Pogan remained on his feet, while Mr. Long flew to the pavement."

No, video of the "episode" shows that Mr. Long was attempting to ride around Mr. Pogan, who lowered a shoulder and knocked Mr. Logan to the pavement.

Pogan is a thug and moron who should do jail time (more time than others *because* he was a cop and should be held to a higher standard). People like him just make it harder for police who are trying to do the right thing.

[Robb]

15. He was a cop for two weeks and managed to do this.

Amazing.