Caught on video: Father with family in SUV chased, beaten by speed-demon bikers

[AtheistCrusader]

326. Most of the arrested riders had nothing to do with this incident.

Of the two arrested for this, they released one and have not yet filed charges on the other, at least for now.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/02/us/new-york-bikers-attack-video/index.html

"On Wednesday, misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges against motorcyclist Allen Edwards were dropped. The 42-year-old biker had originally faced charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and menacing, the New York City Police Department said."

That can change, of course.

I agree that most/all of the behavior you described as illegal is in fact a moving violation. However, there is apportioned blame in many instances similar to this. For instance, if that bike was broken down in the lane, even though he is unlawfully blocking the lane, the SUV could be ticketed for failure to avoid an accident. (The normal charge when you rear-end someone) Keep in mind, the bike just slowed down, he didn't lock a wheel up or anything. That was absolutely avoidable, in my opinion. This may vary from state to state I suppose, but blame is apportioned all the time in my state. If you can reasonably avoid a wreck and you don't, you're going to eat some of the blame. I see shared responsibility claims all the time. Someone can stop, and that might be a ticket-able infraction, but that doesn't give anyone carte blanch to rear end them, if they can avoid doing so.

"Now here is the decision point. Would you sit there and take it? Illegally detained in the middle lane of traffic by a group of people surrounding your vehicle? With a 2 y/o in the back? I wouldn't. No way."

I would not interpret that as a clear threat. (I wouldn't have rear-ended that guy either, but lets say I accidentally did) Until a clear threat materialized, I sure as hell wouldn't power out, through a person, and a couple bikes. Now, it's possible there was a threat, beyond just the number of people blocking the road. I don't know. I don't see it on the video, I haven't seen any other videos that support it, and the driver, and the people identified thus far, are alleging entirely opposite things.

So, I reserve judgment, giving both the bikers and the driver the benefit of the doubt on the threat piece.