Fourth Biker Charged In SUV Road Rage Incident
A fourth biker was charged in a New York road rage incident. Reginald Chance, age 37, is accused of using his chrome helmet to break out the windows of Alexian Lein’s SUV. He was is charged with gang violence and possession of a weapon.
Chance is currently being held on $75,000 bond. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Samantha Turinosaid said Chance’s actions “set into motion a chain of events that resulted in the driver being dragged out of his vehicle and beaten.”
On September 29, a group of bikers was traveling down West Side Highway. Lien reportedly clipped one of the bikes with his Range Rover. The bikers responded by surrounding Lien’s SUV.
Feeling threatened, Lein proceeded to drive through the pack, knocking one of the men off his bike. The group eventually caught up to Lien and overtook his vehicle. When Lien stopped, the bikers slashed his tires and broke his windows.
As reported by Fox News, Lein claims he was physically assaulted by the bikers. The bikers admit stopping Lein and damaging his vehicle. However, they deny charges of physical assault.
Robert Sims, age 35, is charged with gang assault. Christopher Cruz, age 28, is charged with several misdemeanors including reckless driving.
As reported by CNN, Allen Edwards, age 42, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, menacing, and reckless endangerment. He was later released, as the charges were dropped.
Prosecutor Karen Friedman-Agnifilo says the investigation in ongoing:
“Prematurely charging individuals with low-level crimes does not further the goals of the investigation… After we investigate the facts and each person’s individual actions, we will know what charges can be supported by the evidence.”
The incident drew national attention as much of the assault was filmed. The video soon went viral, causing outrage. The bikers contend the incident and injuries were exaggerated. They further claim Lein instigated the confrontation.
When Lein initially fled the bikers, he ran over Edwin “Jay” Mieses Jr. with his SUV. Mieses suffered a broken back and two broken legs. Lein was not charged.
A fourth biker has now been charged, and more attests are expected to follow.
[Image via Flickr]
