A New York Police Department inspector was indicted on charges over accusations he lied to investigators and attempted to erase incriminating video footage of his girlfriend drunkenly crashing his police car into a cab, according to prosecutors.
Deputy Inspector Paul Zangrilli, who led a police precinct in Manhattan, allegedly attempted to cover up the 2022 wreck though multiple actions, including switching seats with his girlfriend following the collision and offering money to the cab driver.
Zangrilli pleaded not guilty to all charges and his lawyer, Eric Franz, told news outlets, including Gothamist, that his client was a respected inspector who looks forward to “defending his good name.”
According to Manhattan prosecutors, Zangrilli was out drinking with his girlfriend for a few hours one night during the summer of 2022 when he let her drive his unmarked police vehicle, which she crashed into a cab. The woman then sped away from the scene with Zangrilli still in the passenger seat.
Deputy Inspector Paul Zangrilli allegedly attempted to cover up the 2022 wreck. (iStock)
But rather than turning his girlfriend in, Zangrilli switched seats with her and continued driving, prosecutors said. The cab driver caught up with them at a red light and flagged down another police officer when prosecutors say Zangrilli repeatedly offered $500 or $1,000 to the cab driver instead of exchanging insurance information.
Zangrilli then called a police captain and allegedly made several false claims, including that he had been driving alone and was on his way to work when the crash happened.
Prosecutors said Zangrilli then signed in to work at his own precinct and called the owner of the bar urging him to erase video footage that would capture the three hours he and his girlfriend spent drinking.
“This alleged behavior was incredibly dangerous, leading to injuries for one cab driver and putting the safety of many other drivers and pedestrians at risk,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. “Furthermore, this NYPD Deputy Inspector, then a Commanding Officer, allegedly went to great lengths to cover up the incident to avoid responsibility. We will continue to hold public servants accountable when they violate the public trust.”
ELDERLY WOMAN STRUCK BY STRAY BULLET OUTSIDE HER BROOKLYN APARTMENT
Prosecutors say Zangrilli repeatedly offered $500 or $1,000 to the cab driver instead of exchanging insurance information. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Zangrilli is charged with multiple felonies, including tampering with evidence, offering a false instrument for filing and falsifying business records. He is also charged with drinking while driving and misdemeanors in connection with misconduct and obstruction. He was suspended without pay, the NYPD said in a statement.
His girlfriend was also charged with drinking while driving and pleaded not guilty.
The cab driver, who was injured in the crash, settled a lawsuit against the city over his injuries for $75,000, court records show, according to Gothamist.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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