A former New York Police Department detective has been arrested and charged over the fatal shooting of a motorist on the George Washington Bridge during rush hour.
Victor Romero, 62, surrendered to investigators on Wednesday afternoon after being identified as a person of interest in the death of Koran Irvine, a 46-year-old Con Edison worker and father of two.
The shooting is being investigated as a road-rage incident. Irvine was driving a blue Volkswagen Golf across the bridge when his vehicle allegedly swerved slightly towards Romero’s car.
Video reviewed by investigators shows Romero’s vehicle moving back into the middle lane as both cars continued towards the bridge’s upper level. Romero then allegedly pulled alongside Irvine’s passenger side and fired a single shot.
Irvine’s car veered into the median before coming to a stop, while Romero drove away. Irvine was taken to hospital but died from his injuries; the bullet entered his right shoulder and exited through the left side of his neck.
Romero turned himself in at the 33rd Precinct in Upper Manhattan. He was awaiting arraignment on Wednesday night and had reportedly admitted carrying out the shooting, handing the alleged weapon to authorities.
Investigators sealed his home while they sought a search warrant, and his car was taken into NYPD custody.
Romero retired from the police department about 25 years ago after working as a narcotics detective. He later went on disability after being shot and wounded by a gunman at his family’s coin laundry.
Irvine’s family described him in an online fundraiser as a “man full of life, love and dedication to the people who meant the most to him”.
“His family was his world, and he worked hard every day to provide for and support his wife, Patricia, and their children, Lea and Hiro,” the appeal said.
It added: “We will deeply miss Koran’s jokes, his infectious smile, his laughter, and his zest for life.”
Funds raised will go towards funeral and memorial costs, as well as household bills, daily living expenses and the continuing needs of Irvine’s children.
