Gay Officers
Group Criticizes TV Anchor Case

An organization for gay police officers is upset that the case could be dropped against a former television news anchor who was accused of attacking an officer and making a homophobic remark.

The New York City Region of the Gay Officers Action League said Wednesday it was ''outraged and deeply concerned'' that prosecutors downgraded the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. The judge said the charge would be dismissed if Alycia Lane stays out of legal trouble for the next six months.

The charge stems from a December 16, 2007, altercation.

Lane, 35, confronted undercover officers, made homophobic remarks, and struck a female officer in the face, according to the original criminal complaint in the case. The decision not to prosecute Lane on the original charge, the group said, sends a ''disturbing message'' to the public.

While the original complaint said the assault caused lacerations and swelling on the officer's face, prosecutors said the scratches did not rise to the level of physical injury that a felony charge requires.

Lane's attorney, David S. Smith, said Lane maintains she never made derogatory comments or assaulted anyone. Lane, who joined Philadelphia's KYW-TV in 2003, was fired January 7. (AP)