Retired NYPD detective charged with murder after fatal shooting on George Washington Bridge
NEW YORK — A retired New York City detective has been charged with murder in the shooting of a motorist whose car crashed on the George Washington Bridge during evening rush-hour traffic, authorities said.
Victor Romero, 62, surrendered Wednesday afternoon at the NYPD’s 33rd Precinct in upper Manhattan, a day after the fatal shooting. Investigators are examining whether a near-collision on an approach ramp triggered a road-rage confrontation.
The victim, Koran Irvin, 46, was an off-duty Con Edison employee from Rockland County, New York. He was driving a blue Volkswagen Golf toward New Jersey when he was shot, according to authorities.
Port Authority police initially responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday on the bridge’s westbound upper level. Officers found Irvin with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
He was taken to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage determined that Irvin’s car had nearly collided with another vehicle on a ramp leading to the upper deck, authorities said. A dispute followed as the vehicles continued toward New Jersey.
An occupant of the other vehicle then opened fire, striking Irvin, according to investigators. The shooter fled.
Authorities subsequently sought a person of interest before Romero surrendered Wednesday. A description of the other vehicle was not released, and no other injuries were reported.
The shooting shut down the westbound upper-level lanes for about six hours as investigators examined the scene and collected evidence. The lanes reopened around 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Con Edison mourned Irvin’s death in a statement expressing condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Con Edison family in this senseless act of violence,” a company spokesperson said.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing.
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