NYC policeman accused of road rage attack

The Associated Press - December 2, 2008

NEW YORK - Authorities say a New York City police officer is charged with beating a pedestrian during an off-duty road rage incident. Officer Jamel Dennis faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of second-degree assault. His attorney didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Tuesday. District Attorney Richard Brown said Dennis was driving along Queens Boulevard on Nov. 17 when he almost hit Geoffrey Hollinden. The pedestrian, who became enraged, hit the rear of Dennis' car. Prosecutors say Dennis got out and grabbed Hollinden, lifted him in the air and then slammed him to the pavement. Hollinden was hospitalized with cranial bleeding and a herniated disc, and received five staples in his head. Dennis' next court date is Jan. 15.