Perez & Cedeño, P.C. Represents Biker Charged in NYC Video-Recorded Conflict with Range Rover

NEW YORK - Oct. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- A video recently released on the Internet showing a group of bikers chasing a Range Rover on a New York City highway after an incident where the driver, Alexian Lien, mowed down a motorcyclist allegedly in an attempt to protect himself and his family, according to an Oct. 2, 2013 CBS News article titled “Christopher Cruz, biker charged in New York road-rage incident, faces judge.” The video footage, which was captured by the helmet-mounted camera of a motorcyclist at the scene, has received national attention.  New York City criminal defense attorney, H. Benjamin Perez, of Perez & Cedeño, P.C., is providing legal defense for biker Christopher Cruz, who is facing criminal charges following the incident.  The case, People v. Christopher Cruz, docket No: 2013NY075891, is ongoing at this time.

According to news articles, the video shows motorcyclist Christopher Cruz switching lanes and cutting in front of a Range Rover and then allegedly slowing down in front of the SUV.  The driver of the SUV, Mr. Lien, did not slow down and rear-end the motorcyclist.  It is alleged that the biker had been riding with other motorcyclists who also stopped as a result of the accident.  As shown in the video, multiple bikers stopped at the accident scene and are seen standing around the Range Rover before the driver of the SUV sped off, running over and critically injuring motorcyclist Edwin Mieses in the process.  According to news accounts, and as shown in the video, the bikers are allegedly seen following the Range Rover for approximately 2.5 miles until they caught up with it in traffic on an upper Manhattan street.  The video culminates with another motorcyclist allegedly using his helmet to smash the driver’s side window.  Police have stated that the pursuing bikers allegedly dragged the driver out of the Range Rover and beat him, though this was not recorded in the video footage.  It has recently been reported that several off duty New York City police officers were part of the motorcycle group and allegedly witnessed the SUV driver mow down motorcyclist Mieses.  It is also alleged that at least some off duty police officers also participated in the chase.

Prosecutors have identified Christopher Cruz as the rider who allegedly cut off the driver of the SUV at the start of the incident, and have brought criminal charges against him.  Mr. Cruz has been charged with reckless driving and unlawful imprisonment following the incident.  Notice has been given that prosecutors are contemplating presenting the criminal matter to a grand jury, which means that Mr. Cruz’s case may result in more serious charges.  The incident, People v. Christopher Cruz, docket No: 2013NY075891, is still under investigation, however.  Mr. Cruz has denied the allegations made against him, and Attorney Perez has vowed to vigorously contest the charges on behalf of his client.

Attorney Perez is quoted in the CBS News article saying that his client plans to fight the case and have his name cleared.  Speaking on his client’s behalf, Mr. Perez noted that the biker never assaulted the driver of the Range Rover nor attacked his vehicle, and that he did not participate in the chase or subsequent beating of the SUV driver, Alexian Lien.  Additionally, Mr. Perez stated that his client Mr. Cruz does not know any of the motorcycle riders who allegedly assaulted Mr. Lien that Sunday afternoon.  Mr. Perez also stated that his client never left the location of the accident.  Perez stated that Mr. Cruz followed proper accident procedures by waiting for police to arrive and filing a formal police report at the police precinct, where he voluntarily appeared after being taken to the hospital for observation.  Attorney Perez stated that his client was cooperative with police throughout this incident.

H. Benjamin Perez is a seasoned trial lawyer who litigates hundreds of cases every year. He has received a 10.0 Superb rating and the 2012 Client’s Choice Award in criminal defense from Avvo, the popular lawyer ratings website.  Individuals throughout New York City can turn to Perez & Cedeño, P.C. for cutting-edge defense against various types of criminal charges.  These include charges for violent crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, federal crimes and many other types of offenses.  In addition to criminal defense, the law firm’s attorneys also practice divorce and family law. More information about the firm can be found at www.perezandcedeno.com.

*http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57605680/christopher-cruz-biker-charged-in-new-york-road-rage-incident-faces-judge/