By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A former New York Police Department officer was sentenced to 3–9 years in prison for recklessly throwing a cooler from a vehicle that led to a crash, killing a Long Island father.
• The incident occurred in Nassau County during a high-speed pursuit in February 2021.
• The cooler struck the victim’s car, causing a fatal multi-vehicle collision.
• The ex-officer had pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless endangerment and related charges.
• Sentencing was handed down in Nassau County Supreme Court this week.
NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A former New York Police Department officer was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for throwing a cooler from a moving vehicle during a 2021 pursuit, an act that led to a fatal crash in which a Long Island father was killed, authorities said.
Michael R. Sisak/AP
The sentencing occurred this week in Nassau County Supreme Court, where the ex-officer was ordered to serve time after previously pleading guilty to aggravated reckless endangerment and related charges tied to the incident.
In February 2021, the former officer was involved in a high-speed pursuit when he allegedly tossed a cooler from the patrol vehicle. The object struck another vehicle driven by a Long Island man, causing a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in his death.
Prosecutors described the act of throwing the cooler as reckless conduct that directly contributed to the fatal collision. The officer’s plea and subsequent sentencing follow a lengthy investigation and legal process.
Officials said the prison term reflects the seriousness of the offense and the impact of the crash on the victim’s family. No additional details about parole eligibility or restitution at sentencing were immediately available.