Frightening video of what happened Sunday in New York City when dozens of motorcyclists surrounded an SUV and then beat the driver is being studied by New York City police as they try to find and arrest the attackers.
What exactly led to the confrontation isn't yet known for sure, judging from reports by CBS New York and other news outlets. But the shocking violence is crystal clear from the helmet-cam video that's gone viral.
The SUV driver, 33-year-old Alexian Lien, was with his wife and their 2-year-old child, according to the Daily News. The newspaper says Lien "became the target of the brutal bikers when he accidentally struck one who cut him off on the Henry Hudson Parkway, triggering a wild 4-mile chase, cops said Monday."
As you can see near the end of the video, when Lien finally had to stop again the bikers surrounded his vehicle and began smashing its windows. That's the point when the helmet cam appears to have been shut off. Moments later, according to police, Lien was pulled from the vehicle and beaten.
According to CBS New York, "Lien was taken to Columbia Presbyterian where he received stitches for cuts to his face and was released, police said. He will not face any charges, authorities said."
ABC News adds that "authorities are unsure whether the motorcyclists were officially affiliated with any group or club. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said today that the bikers were doing an annual ride through New York City."
Complicating the investigation: Many of the bikes were not displaying license plates, and the riders -- for the most part -- kept their helmets on.
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