NYPD Commander Accused of Covering Up DWI Crash in Manhattan

When a DWI crash in Manhattan occurs, one expects the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. But what happens if the crash was caused by an off-duty police officer? Can you really trust the NYPD to conduct an adequate internal investigation? These questions are being raised after an NYPD commander was accused of covering up a DWI crash in Manhattan that he caused.

NYPD Commander Tries to Cover Up His DWI Crash 

In March of 2025, multiple sources reported that a former NYPD commander was facing criminal charges for trying to cover up his own DWI crash. The accident occurred in Manhattan, and it involved a taxi. An internal trial determined his guilt, and he was kicked out of the NYPD 18 days before he could retire with a full pension.

In 2022, the commander reportedly went out “binge drinking” with his girlfriend and decided to drive home. Knowing he had consumed too much alcohol, he convinced his girlfriend to get behind the wheel instead. However, he was also allegedly aware that she had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol as well (seven shots and three beers).

Police say that after colliding with the taxi, his girlfriend fled the scene. The pair then switched seats, with the commander attempting to drive the rest of the way home. However, the cabbie caught up with them at the next red light and managed to flag down a police officer.

Prosecutors say that the NYPD commander offered the cabbie cash in exchange for not filing an accident claim. Next, he called the owner of the bar he had just visited and asked them to delete the security footage proving he was there.

The cabbie also suffered injuries in the crash, including back and neck injuries. Although these injuries were minor, they were still legitimate – and the commander and his girlfriend were clearly responsible.

Although their attempts to cover up the incident were ultimately unsuccessful, they raise difficult questions about the reliability of crash scene investigations. Is it possible to avoid consequences if you “know the right people?”

Key Takeaways 

• The NYPD commanding officer was fired after attempting to cover up his DWI crash
• The 44-year-old still faces pending criminal charges related to the incident
• An injury lawyer may be able to help you investigate the circumstances of a DWI crash

Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Manhattan Help Me? 

If you find yourself in a situation where you suspect the police are not thoroughly investigating your crash, you might want to speak with a Manhattan car accident lawyer. These legal professionals might be able to investigate your crash independently, uncovering information that police might have missed. As the recent incident shows, police might also actively cover up certain details of your crash. To discuss your next steps in more detail, speak with Cohan Law, PLLC today.

Sources: 

nydailynews.com/2025/03/04/nypd-dwi-crash-cover-up-deputy-inspector-paul-zangrilli-fired/

yahoo.com/news/nypd-commander-fired-trying-cover-161900726.html