DA: Charges Stand Against NYPD Officer in SUV-Biker Melee

Prosecutors have changed their minds about reducing charges against an undercover NYPD detective accused of taking part in a videotaped attack on a man driving a Range Rover.

A Manhattan prosecutor said Thursday that he would continue pursuing top-level assault charges against Detective Wojciech Braszczok in the September beating of the driver. Braszczok was off-duty.

The driver was pulled from the SUV and beaten after being chased by the bikers following a lengthy chase through the streets.  The chase and attack, much of it captured by the motorcyclists helmet cameras, became international news.

Braszczok and nine others were charged with first-degree gang assault and first-degree assault in October.  Prosecutors said in December those charges would likely be downgraded to attempted gang assault and attempted assault.

Prosecutors said at the time the SUV driver's injuries were healing, so the case might no longer warrant first-degree assault charges that require permanent disfigurement. The driver needed stitches to his face.

Prosecutors say it now appears the driver's injuries haven't healed as well as hoped.

Braszczok's lawyers declined to comment after court Thursday.

The other bikers have court dates Friday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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