A professor at Baruch College has been accused of assault against NYPD officers, alleged to have occurred on the Brooklyn Bridge during the Millions March protest on Saturday.
Eric Linsker, 29, teaches composition at Baruch. Police claim that during Saturday’s protests he attempted to throw a garbage can on a police car and resisted arrest, kicking one officer in the face and breaking his nose. The officers claim that Linsker escaped arrest when fellow protestors intervened and allowed the accused to run away. Police claim they found a bag nearby containing hammers, among other items, that belonged to the defendant. But Linsker’s lawyer says they have no way of proving that.
The NYPD later arrested Linsker around 4 AM Sunday and charged him with assault in the second degree, rioting in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. However, the judge is not convinced that there is enough evidence, and released the professor on his own recognizance. All charges will remain pending until a March 23rd hearing.
For now, it seems to be a case of the police testimony versus the defendants. Considering the incident occurred amidst a chaotic sea of people, without further evidence, the judge remains skeptical that Linsker can be formally charged at all.
(Photos: Daily News, ABC)
