Man dies weeks after being attacked by dozens of suspects on ATVs in Harlem
NEW YORK -- A man who was attacked by a group of dirt bike riders in Harlem in a possible road rage incident weeks ago has died.
Police are still looking for dozens of people involved.
"We called Arthur our gentle giant because he was 6'7", so gentle and loving and caring. For this to happen, everyone in the community is hurting," said Carmen Arroyo.
Arthur Cooke's colleagues are still trying to come to terms with what they call his senseless murder.
On Nov. 4, video shows a group of around 30 ATVs and dirt bikes on East 125th Street near Fifth Avenue where Cooke, 45, was driving his car with his girlfriend.
Police say one of the riders struck Cooke's passenger side mirror, so he pulled over and got out of the car to check out the damage. Words were exchanged, and one of the men pointed a gun at him while the rest surrounded and beat him, leaving him clinging to life.
Sources say the situation got even worse. After the attack, a homeless man not connected to the assault, jumped into the victim's car and drove off.
"I can't believe it. I don't know how this would happen to somebody so loved," Arroyo said.
Cooke was rushed to the hospital with spinal injuries. His coworkers visited him the next day and thought he would pull through.
"When I saw him he was responsive. I told him 'Will, I'm here with you.' He would move his hands," said colleague WIlliam Steele.
This past Friday, though, Cooke died of his injuries.
"Broke my heart. All I think about is his son. Very loving father, very supportive, that was his pride and joy," Steele said.
Cooke had a 6-year-old boy. He served the Harlem community working at Exodus, a program that helps formerly incarcerated men and women get back on their feet.
"His passion was going to the courts, speaking to judges, district attorneys and lawyers to give participants a second opportunity in life as Exodus gave to him," Arroyo said.
The center recently recognized him as a standout employee who came through the program himself.
Friends are hoping, with the public's help, police will track down all of the people involved.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
