A New York Police Department inspector is facing charges for allegedly trying to cover up his girlfriend’s involvement in a crash with his police car. Deputy Inspector Paul Zangrilli, who was in charge of a precinct in Manhattan, is accused of lying to investigators and attempting to delete video evidence of the incident.
According to prosecutors, Zangrilli and his girlfriend had been out drinking when she crashed his unmarked police vehicle into a cab. Instead of reporting the incident, Zangrilli switched seats with his girlfriend and tried to drive away. The cab driver managed to catch up with them and flagged down another police officer.
Prosecutors claim that Zangrilli repeatedly offered the cab driver money, ranging from $500 to $1,000, instead of exchanging insurance information. He then allegedly made false claims to a police captain, stating that he had been alone in the car and on his way to work at the time of the crash.
After signing in to work at his precinct, Zangrilli reportedly contacted the owner of the bar they had been drinking at, urging them to delete any video footage that could incriminate them. This behavior, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, was not only dangerous but also a breach of public trust.
Zangrilli is facing multiple charges, including tampering with evidence, offering a false instrument for filing, and falsifying business records. He has also been charged with drinking while driving and other misdemeanors related to misconduct and obstruction. The NYPD has suspended him without pay.
In addition to Zangrilli, his girlfriend has also been charged with drinking while driving and has pleaded not guilty. The cab driver, who was injured in the crash, settled a lawsuit against the city for $75,000.
It is essential for public servants, especially those in law enforcement, to uphold the law and act with integrity. Any attempts to cover up illegal activities only serve to erode public trust in the system. The consequences of such actions can be severe, as seen in the case of Deputy Inspector Zangrilli.