There’s newly uncovered surveillance video on the core of an investigation involving NYPD officers accused of leaving the scene of a Bronx crash following a automotive chase.
Video reveals the April 2 incident play out, as the motive force of a stolen Honda is seen happening an off-ramp of the Henry Hudson Parkway in Inwood simply earlier than 5 a.m. The motive force, recognized as 31-year-old Francisco Guzman, will get to the tip of the ramp and loses management of the car.
The automotive crashes off to the fitting on Dyckman Road and catches fireplace, the video reveals. Shortly after, the officers’ cruiser is seen happening the ramp as effectively.
However as an alternative of getting out of the car and seeking to assist in any manner, the cruiser involves a fast cease earlier than turning left and driving away — within the actual wrong way because the crashed car.
Guzman died within the fiery crash. His household was much more devastated after seeing the video, as a result of they imagine the cops had loads of time to cease and assist their cherished one
“It’s hurtful. Very hurtful to see that,” mentioned Carmen Colon, Guzman’s stepmother. “They could’ve helped get him out, get him assistance.”
His sisters known as it callous act by the officers.
“It doesn’t make sense that you see someone struggling or in trouble or needing help, and you walk away,” mentioned Shakira Guzman.
The 2 officers, from the Bronx’s fiftieth Precinct, returned to the precinct with out ever calling for assist, based on regulation enforcement sources, who added that the officers turned off their emergency lights as they approached the crashed car. The officers had been mentioned to have completed the remainder of their shifts.
“It really, really bothers me because in that moment, those two police officers acted as judge, jury and executioner,” mentioned Jeremy Feigenbaum, the household’s lawyer.
In an announcement, the NYPD mentioned the incident “remains under investigation by the force investigation division. The officers are suspended with pay.”
The lawyer normal’s workplace additionally confirmed it’s investigating.