Eighth person is charged in NYC motorcycle gang attack on SUV

baby

By Matt Hamilton

October 19, 2013, 4:44 p.m.

A Brooklyn man charged with assault in connection with last month’s motorcycle gang attack pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan court Saturday.

Kaliq Douglas, 28, was arrested Friday night and faces two felony charges for gang assault and assault, according to the criminal complaint released by the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors say Douglas pulled Alexander Lien from the driver's seat of his  Range Rover, threw him to the ground and kicked him at least once before other motorcyclists joined in the beating. According to the complaint, at least five other people kicked Lien and struck him with their helmets.

Douglas was released Saturday after posting bail of $25,000, according to the Associated Press.

The Sept. 29 incident, which took place during the annual pack ride known as the Hollywood Block Party, was captured in a video recording that went viral online and generated national interest.

It all began on Manhattan’s West Side Highway when a motorcyclist slowed down and made contact with Lien’s SUV. After the initial encounter, the bikers surrounded the black Range Rover but Lien -- whose wife and 2-year-old child were passengers in the car -- fled, running over biker Edwin “Jay” Mieses Jr. Mieses remains hospitalized with spinal and leg injuries.

The motorcyclists followed Lien, who has not been charged, and eventually caught up with him. According to the online videos, the motorcyclists, including Douglas, surrounded the SUV and attacked Lien.

Lien's injuries included two black eyes, multiple cuts to his face that required stitches, and injuries to his hands, back and right shoulder, according to criminal complaint.

Among those previously arrested and charged is an undercover New York City Police Departmentofficer, Wojciech Braszczok. The 32-year-old undercover cop allegedly struck the SUV’s rear window and kicked its passenger side, but he was not involved in the direct attack on Lien, according to the criminal complaint. Prosecutors have charged him with gang assault, assault and criminal mischief, and he was released earlier this month after posting $150,000 bond.

Five other motorcycle drivers face charges of gang assault and assault similar to Douglas. The driver who prosecutors say made the initial contact with the SUV, Christopher Cruz, faces misdemeanor charges including reckless driving.