New Jersey

Man Gets 5 Years in Jersey City Chase That Ended in Fiery Crash

What to Know

  • Video shows an innocent bystander being beaten by Jersey City officers moments after he was on fire, prosecutors say
  • The bystander's family told News 4 that he has severe burns and fractured ribs; they say he was just heading to work
  • A union representing Jersey City police has said the officers were trying to put out the flames and pull the man to safety

A man has been sentenced to five years in a high-speed chase that ended in a crash that severely burned another driver who was then allegedly kicked and dragged by officers.

Leo Pinkston, 49, apologized as he was sentenced Friday for eluding police and aggravated assault in the June 4 pursuit in Jersey City, NJ.com reports.

A video shows the other driver exiting his car with his clothes on fire before being kicked by the officers. A police union official has said the officers tried to help him. Four officers face charges in the pursuit.

Pinkston was shot in the leg. His lawyer said the crash wouldn't have occurred if police hadn't fired. The judge said he should have stopped when police tried to pull him over.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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