NYC Motorcycle Attack Update: Undercover police officer charged with gang assault in biker-SUV confrontation
(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Wojciech Braszczok, an NYPD undercover detective, has been arraigned on charges of assault, gang assault and criminal mischief stemming from the Sept. 29 attack on a family in an SUV by a group of motorcyclists, CBS New York reports.
The officer, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was an active participant in the mob of motorcyclists who chased and terrorized SUV driver Alexian Lien and his passengers, which included his wife and his young daughter, the assistant district attorney said.
Braszczok, a 10-year-veteran of the NYPD, waited four days before coming forward to the NYPD and he allegedly made false statements about his involvement.
He surrendered to authorities Tuesday and was initially expected to only face riot and criminal mischief charges, according to a statement from police.
Braszczok's lawyer, Phil Karasyk, said there is video evidence that proves his client never got within 12 feet of the victim, but prosecutors said the video shows the officer "continues to terrorize the family" by continuing to chase the SUV and repeatedly hitting the passenger window and door of the SUV.Karasyk said the case was a mischief case but became an assault case because his client is a police officer.
The NYPD has said three to five of their police officers may have played a role in the Sept. 29 incident, reports CBS New York.
Police have said they are questioning Narcotics Detective Samir Gonsalves who also took part in the motorcycle ride.
To date, at least six people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the beating of Lien, including 32-year-old Clint Caldwell, who was taken into custody late Tuesday night and charged with gang assault.
The melee seriously injured at least one biker and left the driver of the SUV, a 33-year-old father, beaten in the street.Police say the incident was touched off when a biker slowed down and bumped Lien's Range Rover. Video captured at the scene shows Lien surrounded by dozens of helmeted riders before he takes off and strikes one. The bikers give chase and Lien is eventually stopped, pulled from the SUV and beaten.
Complete coverage of the New York City motorcycle attack on Crimesider