Two NYPD officers charged with disciplinary violations related to Win Rozario shooting.

The New York Police Department has formally filed four disciplinary charges against two officers involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario during a mental health crisis last year in Queens. This development marks a significant step in a case that has drawn widespread scrutiny and controversy, particularly following a board decision that overruled its own investigators’ findings.

On Thursday, Officer Salvatore Alongi faced accusations of shooting Rozario twice without justifiable police necessity, as well as improperly deploying his Taser stun gun once during the incident. Officer Matthew Cianfrocco was charged with unjustifiably discharging his firearm three times in the course of the two-minute encounter, which occurred on March 27, 2024, in Ozone Park. Both officers are also charged with engaging in conduct deemed prejudicial to the order of the NYPD, specifically for entering Rozario’s apartment without sufficient legal authority.

The charges come at a time of heightened tension surrounding police use of force and accountability. A spokesperson for the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), Dakota Gardner, remarked on the significance of the charges, indicating that the organization is prepared to advance the case through its standard misconduct investigation process.

The encounter that led to Rozario’s death began when he called 911 during a mental health episode, prompting the dispatch of officers from the 102nd Precinct to his residence. Body camera footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, which occurred as Rozario approached the officers while holding a pair of scissors.

The case will now proceed to the Administrative Prosecution Unit of the CCRB, which will oversee the proceedings in a trial setting, unless the officers opt to retire or reach a plea agreement. In the event a trial occurs, an administrative law judge will make a recommendation, which will then be submitted to the police commissioner, who holds the authority to accept, modify, or reject the recommendations.

In a contentious 9 to 3 vote, the board substantiated the allegations against the officers concerning the use of deadly force. The findings suggest that termination could be the only appropriate sanction under these circumstances. Lesser penalties could involve the loss of vacation days for improper entries into the apartment and excessive use of the stun gun.

This case has sparked strong responses from various stakeholders. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, criticized the board’s decision as politically motivated and harmful to fair investigative processes. On the other hand, Loyda Colón, representing Rozario’s family and serving as Executive Director of the Justice Committee, expressed approval of the charges but called for more decisive action, urging both a formal trial and prosecution of the officers involved.

The unfolding developments represent a crucial moment in ongoing conversations regarding police conduct, mental health crisis interventions, and accountability within law enforcement agencies.