Cyclist shoving NY cop gets push from force

Patrick Pogan, the New York policeman filmed shoving a cyclist from his bike during a Critical Mass ride has been fired by the New York Police Department.

According to the Associated Press (AP) news agency he lost his job 10 days ago – although Mr Pogan's lawyers dispute this and claim that he resigned to concentrate on preparing his defence.

Ex officer Pogan is charged with assault and filing false paperwork – both offences carry a possible prison sentence. Pogan originally arrested the cyclist and claimed Christopher Long had assaulted him and resisted arrest. When the case came to court Long's defence produced the film of the incident resulting in all charges being dropped and Pogan being arrested.

Speaking to AP, Stuart London, one of Mr Pogan's lawyers said of the reported firing: “They make errors all the time”. Mr. London said of the Police Department’s assertion that Mr. Pogan had been fired that Mr. Pogan resigned “to concentrate his efforts on fighting the criminal charges that are against him,” Mr. London said, “so that when he is ultimately acquitted he can reapply to the Police Department.” The shoving incident, which gained widespread attention after it was videotaped and posted on YouTube, embarrassed the Police Department. The video has been viewed on YouTube nearly 2 million times.