MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS — Dozens of motorcyclists rallied in front of St. Luke's Hospital Wednesday night in support of a man hurt by an SUV during a terrifying confrontation on the Henry Hudson Parkway over the weekend.
"This is a family. This is not a gang," said Dayana Mieses, the wife of Edwin Mieses, who suffered two broken legs and a broken back. Officials said he might be paralyzed.
Mieses, 32, who goes by the nickname Jay Meez, remained in critical condition Wednesday after Alexian Lien, 33, appeared to panic after a minor crash and drove his Range Rover over the biker in an attempt to flee the scene.
The collision, caught on a helmet-cam video and posted on YouTube, set off a high-speed chase up the highway to 178th Street were Lien, who was driving with his wife and 2-year-old daughter, was pulled from the SUV and beaten. He was briefly hospitalized with cuts, bruises and broken ribs, police said.
Mieses was one of hundreds of motorcyclists driving up the parkway after a weekend meet-up in Times Square.
Police arrest two men, Christopher Cruz, 28, and Allen Edwards, 42, for taking part in the highway incident and subsequent beating.
The Manhattan District Attorney declined to pursue a case against Edwards, saying the charges were premature.
Police are looking for two other men believed to be involved in the attack on Lien.
But motorcyclists at the hospital Wednesday night were calling for the SUV driver to be arrested.
"I don't believe this gentleman was afraid. His actions showed aggression," a man who would only identify himself as Jose, 32, from the Bronx."Imagine how many accidents you'll have if you can run somebody over and not be charged."
Friends of Mieses said they were just there to lend support.
"I'm just sad. We're from the same neighborhood," Jamie Reyes said. "Hopefully, I'll get to see him ride again. He's strong. He's going to pull through this."
