4 Jersey City police officers indicted in innocent man's beating after fiery crash
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Four Jersey City police officers have been indicted in connection with a police chase and fiery crash that involved officers dragging and beating an innocent man who was on fire. Two are facing attempted murder charges.
The incident happened June 4 and the end of it was captured on cellphone video. Officers were trying to stop a car near Ocean and Cator avenues, but the driver -- 48-year-old Leo Pinkston -- fled and eventually crashed into another car driven by 28-year-old Miguel Feliz.
Feliz's car hit a utility pole and burst into flames, injuring Feliz. It's what happened next that raised some eyebrows.
In the video, it appears the first officer goes up and kicks Feliz, knocking him down. Another officer appears to kick him as well.
The officers then drag him away from the fire scene, off the sidewalk and into the road. He was eventually hospitalized with severe burns.
Watch the cellphone video below (warning: graphic video):
The indictment was announced Thursday. Here's a list of the names of the officers and their charges:
1. Lieutenant Keith Ludwig (3 counts total): 2nd and 3rd degree aggravated assault, official misconduct
2. MD Khan (13 counts total): Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 2nd and 3rd and 4th degree aggravated assault, attempted murder, official misconduct
3. Officer Eric Kosinski (5 counts total): Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 2nd and 3rd degree aggravated assault, attempted murder, official misconduct
4. Officer Francisco Rodriguez (4 counts total): Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 2nd and 3rd degree aggravated assault, official misconduct
Prosecutors said the Jersey City officers also fired multiple shots during the chase, before the suspect crashed his car.
The Jersey City police union said they stand by their officers and will wait for their day in court.
