‘Assault me!’: Cycling activist says he taunted NYC officer as they clashed at demonstration

‘Assault me!’: Activist says he taunted NYC cop

NEW YORK — A cycling enthusiast says he taunted police officers by saying “Assault me!” in a dispute that led to a criminal case against an ex-New York City officer.

Christopher Long testified Tuesday at ex-officer Patrick Pogan’s trial on charges of shoving Long off his bike during a cycling demonstration, then lying about what happened.

Pogan was charged after a tourist’s videotape of the July 2008 incident was posted on YouTube.

Long testified that he “wanted this situation to go all the way” after being knocked to the ground and then chased down.

He said he told Pogan and another officer: “What are you waiting for? Assault me!” Long was arrested on resisting arrest and other charges that were later dropped.

Pogan’s lawyer says Long engineered his clash with officers.