Former NYPD detective faces judge in deadly road-rage fueled GWB shooting
Victor Romero, 62, who initially faced a murder charge, is now charged with first-degree manslaughter for allegedly shooting Con Edison worker Koran Irvine, 46, during a road-rage fueled incident.
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The former NYPD detective who allegedly carried out a deadly shooting on the George Washington Bridge faced a judge for the first time on Thursday, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Victor Romero, 62, who initially faced a murder charge, is now charged with first-degree manslaughter for allegedly shooting Con Edison worker Koran Irvine, 46, during a road-rage fueled incident. Romero's bail was set at $1 million.
Law enforcement sources previously said Romero turned himself in. Prosecutors say Romero did not surrender.
According to the criminal complaint, officers tracked down Romero and his car at his place of work in Manhattan on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Romero was carrying a revolver which he told police he carries daily.
The shooting happened just before 7 p.m. Tuesday on the outbound upper level of the bridge.
According to the DA's office, surveillance video showed Romero driving a company-issued car nearly collide with Irvine's vehicle as they approached the bridge.
Prosecutors say Romero was then seen aggressively trailing Irvine across the bridge, and eventually, pulling up beside Irvine's car and firing a single shot while both cars were still moving.
Irvine, of Valley Cottage, suffered a single gunshot wound to the back right shoulder.
According to the criminal complaint, Irvine's car slowly veered to the right lane and came to a halt.
Less than a minute later, prosecutors say Irvine's car suddenly lurched across all four lanes of traffic and crashed into a center median.
Romero allegedly did not call 911 and instead sped off toward his home after the shooting.
According to investigators, police responded to a 911 call about the crash when they Irvine unconscious and unresponsive.
Paramedics rushed him to Englewood Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Sources close to the investigation say Romero, of Haverstraw, retired 25 years ago from the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North.
The circumstances surrounding his retirement were not immediately known.
Romero is due back in court on Oct. 27.
