Ex-NYPD Detective Fled in His Hedge Fund Employer's SUV After the George Washington Bridge Shooting, Prosecutors Say
Victor Romero, 62, is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of Con Edison worker Koran Irvine. A judge set bond at $1 million. Romero is due back in court Oct. 27.
A retired New York police detective accused of a deadly road rage shooting on the George Washington Bridge was driving a vehicle owned by his employer, a hedge fund, prosecutors say. Victor Romero, 62, faces a first-degree manslaughter charge in the death of Con Edison worker Koran Irvine, 46.
The allegation. At Thursday's hearing, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sears said the two men nearly collided as they approached the bridge Tuesday evening, a moment captured on surveillance video. Video then shows Romero tailgating Irvine, pulling up on his right side and firing one shot from the driver's seat, prosecutors said. The bullet went through the rear passenger window and hit Irvine in the right shoulder. Irvine's car lurched into the far-right lane and stopped in traffic.
The flight. Prosecutors say Romero drove off, crossed the bridge and headed north on the Palisades Interstate Parkway toward his Rockland County home without calling 911 or turning himself in. Detectives found him and the SUV the next day at his Manhattan workplace.
The weapons. Prosecutors say they recovered a revolver that Romero admitted carrying daily, and that a search of his home turned up two more handguns. All three are being processed by forensics.
The employer. Romero worked as a driver and security guard for QVT Financial, a biotech and energy investment firm, the New York Post reported. The Post reported he drove for the CEO, Dan Gold. Records confirmed the SUV was owned by his employer and assigned to him. QVT told Fox it is "cooperating with the authorities."
The court. A judge granted the DA's request for $1 million bond. Sears cited the video, the mandatory prison term Romero faces if convicted, and his leaving the scene. Irvine's family was in court. Romero's lawyer, Alan Abramson, did not immediately respond to Fox. Romero is due back Oct. 27.
Note for readers: this is a public-safety story, filed under Border and Security because the site has no separate crime section. Romero is accused and not convicted. The details come from prosecutors' statements in court as relayed by Fox.