The story of (former) NYC police officer Patrick Pogan shoving cyclist Christopher Long off of his bicycle during Critical Mass has achieved widespread media attention simply because of the clear video evidence of the actions. With criminal charges against Pogan pending, he was first placed on a desk job and is now no longer a member of the NYC police force. The police department says he was fired, Pogan claims he resigned, but the important part is that this guy doesn’t have a badge and a state-issued gun anymore, and hopefully some other impressionable officers have seen another example of having to hold themselves to a higher standard.
As reported by the NY Times:
Mr. Browne [chief spokesman for the New York Police Department] said on Thursday that the firing stemmed directly from the events involving Mr. Long, which took place on July 25 during a monthly event known as Critical Mass, in which hundreds of cyclists ride through the city to advocate nonpolluting forms of transportation.
Read the whole story here.
Justice at last!
I hope he gets some jail time. What he did was straight up assault, no question. Loosing his job is a given, he needs to be punished for his actions.
good.
well i must say thats great news !!! I am glad he is not able to bully people just because of his badge and gun !!! Long live the cyclist and the critical mass rides !!! Its time we take over and make the world a better, less polluted and greener place !!!
Now if only the 4 cops that beat a guy senseless here, in Denver, would get the same treatment. The streets might be safer.
Kick @ss.