End of Watch Tuesday, April 27, 2021
ANASTASIO TSAKOS
Police Officer Anastasio Tsakos was struck and killed by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver.
Officer Tsakos responded to assist at the scene of a fatal automobile collision on the Long Island Expressway, near the entrance to the Clearview Expressway. He was redirecting traffic when a 2013 Volkswagen driven by a 32-year-old woman swerved to avoid other cars and hit Officer Tsakos as he stood next to his marked patrol vehicle.
Officer Tsakos was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver fled the scene in her vehicle but was later apprehended. An investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated and driving with a suspended driver’s license. She faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of a deadly accident, and driving while intoxicated.
Officer Tsakos served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years and was assigned to Highway Unit 3. He is survived by his wife, 6-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son.