FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Media: Barbara Ross, 917-494-8164; press@times-up.org
                Legal: Wylie Stecklow, Esq, 212-566-8000

NEW YORK, NY (May 12, 2010) — On April 29, 2010 former NYPD officer, Patrick Pogan, was found guilty of filing false statements after video evidence proved that contrary to what Patrick Pogan described in a criminal complaint, cyclist Christopher Long did not knock the officer to the ground while riding through Times Square during July 2008 Critical Mass.  A similar incident occurred in Times Square on the March, 2007 Critical Mass when Sergeant Timothy Horohoe was caught on video knocking cyclist, Richard Vazquez, 55, off his bicycle and then stated in an official investigation that Mr. Vasquez rode into him.  Pogan lost his job and faces a possible sentence of four years in prison for his actions.  In contrast, Sgt. Horohoe was never brought up on criminal charges or NYPD administrative charges.

In audio obtained from a Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB.) investigation, Sgt Horohoe can be heard claiming that Mr. Vasquez rode into him, which is in direct contradiction to the video evidence showing Sgt. Horohoe pushing Mr. Vazquez off his bike.  Sgt. Horohoe’s statement that he did not tell junior officers what they should state in arrest reports was also contradicted by one of the junior officers.  The CCRB charged Sgt Horohoe for lying in an official investigation.  Three years later, the Internal Affairs Bureau assigned to investigate these charges against Sgt. Horohoe has taken no action.

“The City was willing to prosecute Patrick Pogan, a rookie officer, with 11 days on the job, for lying on official documents, but chose to ignore Sergent Horohoe, a senior officer who should be leading by example, after he was caught lying during an official investigation,” says Barbara Ross, Critical Mass participant.

“The Pogan trial brought the public’s attention to the NYPD practice of targeting Critical Mass bike riders.  Hopefully, a result of the jury verdict will be increased accountability for law enforcement officials and an improved relationship between NYPD and the bicyclists,” says Norman Siegel, civil rights attorney.

RELEVANT LINKS:

Audio of Sgt Horohoe’s testimony, CCRB’s findings & other documents from CCRB investigation

Video of March 2007 Critical Mass with audio from CCRB testimony

Press release on $98K Settlement to Critical Mass participants wrongfully arrested on 3/2007 ride

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Critical Mass is a monthly celebration of non-polluting transportation, which takes place in hundreds of cities around the world. Critical Mass and other group rides have contributed to the increase in cycling and safer streets