A retired NYPD detective has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing a father of two on the George Washington Bridge.
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Victor Romero, 62, faces accusations of killing Koran Irvine, 46, during a deadly encounter on Tuesday evening.
Romero retired from the NYPD 25 years ago after suffering a gunshot wound while off duty in 2000. The married father lives in Haverstraw, Rockland County.
Former NYPD Detective Faces Murder Charge After Bridge Shooting
The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday on the New Jersey-bound upper level of the George Washington Bridge.
Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly shows Irvine's vehicle suddenly jerking as another car pulled alongside its rear passenger side.
Authorities believe the shooting occurred at that moment, with Irvine's vehicle continuing forward before coming to a stop.
The other vehicle then reportedly fled the scene.
Investigators believe the shooter fired a single bullet through Irvine's rear window, striking his right shoulder before exiting through the left side of his neck.
Emergency responders rushed Irvine to Englewood Hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
Retired Detective's Neighbors Express Shock Over Fatal Shooting
Romero reportedly admitted to authorities that he fired the fatal shot and surrendered his firearm to police.
Prosecutors charged the former detective with murder, and he was awaiting arraignment on Wednesday evening.
Investigators also sought a search warrant for Romero's home. They took his vehicle into NYPD custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
The allegations have stunned members of his local community, including neighbor Paola Ventura.
"I was so surprised when I heard this, I thought it couldn't be true, I said, 'No, you're confused, it's not him,'" Ventura said.
"I saw him on Monday and we talked about my dog, I had a problem with my car and he helped me. One day my dog ran out of the house and he helped me get him back. I'm in shock, really."
Community board president Ann Tartaglione also expressed disbelief, describing Romero as someone who "cared about the community. I'm shocked. I really am shocked. I feel bad for the family, both families."
Irvine, a father of two, was reportedly traveling home after working an overtime shift at Con Edison when the deadly encounter occurred.
Authorities have yet to publicly establish what led to the shooting, with further details expected to emerge as the criminal case moves forward.
