Retired NYPD Detective Charged in George Washington Bridge Killing

A retired New York Police Department detective has been charged with murder over the George Washington Bridge shooting that killed a utility worker in an apparent road-rage incident on Tuesday night (Oct 20), Gothamist reported.

Victor Romero, 62, of Haverstraw, New York, is accused of shooting 46-year-old Koran Irvine of Valley Cottage in Rockland County as both men drove across the upper level of the bridge, which links Manhattan with New Jersey.

What Police Say Happened on the Bridge

Officers were called to what was first reported as a single-vehicle crash on the bridge’s upper level shortly after 7pm local time on Tuesday. The NYPD said Irvine had been shot while driving, in what appeared to be a road-rage confrontation.

Irvine was found unconscious with a gunshot wound to the back of his right shoulder. He was taken to Englewood Hospital in New Jersey, where he was pronounced dead. Port Authority police, who handled the initial crash response, said no one else was hurt.

Authorities shut the westbound upper level for hours, causing delays of up to 90 minutes. The lanes reopened in time for the Wednesday (Oct 21) morning commute.

George Washington Bridge Shooting Suspect

NYPD investigators tracked down Romero, who went with officers voluntarily, according to the report. Police recovered a gun and the suspect’s car, and detectives were still searching his home as the investigation continued.

Romero served seven years with the NYPD before retiring in 2001. He has been charged with murder. Information about his lawyer and the date of his arraignment was not immediately available, and he has not yet entered a plea.

Police have not publicly detailed what sparked the alleged confrontation between the two drivers.

Con Edison Mourns Worker

Con Edison confirmed that Irvine worked for the utility. The company said its employees were heartbroken and condemned the shooting as a “senseless act of violence”.

Romero is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and further details of the case are expected when he appears in court.

#latestmalaysia

New: Pennsylvania Sheriff Warns of Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement