Ex-NYPD Officer Arrested for Attempting to Conceal Off-Duty Hit-and-Run Incident in Queens

A former New York Police Department officer has been arrested following an early morning hit-and-run incident in Queens that resulted in severe injuries to a 22-year-old woman. The incident occurred on March 14, 2023, when Jatinderpal Singh, 26, was allegedly driving a friend’s Cadillac Escalade at excessive speeds in the vicinity of Rockaway Boulevard and 122nd Place, according to information released by Queens prosecutors.

Witnesses reported that Singh’s vehicle struck the woman, who sustained serious injuries to her head and torso. Emergency medical responders transported her to a local hospital, where she underwent surgery to have her spleen removed and required the insertion of metal rods into both of her legs. Prosecutors highlighted that Singh did not stop to render assistance to the injured pedestrian and fled the scene immediately following the crash.

In the aftermath of the incident, Singh reportedly instructed his passengers to delete any photos or videos that might have captured him driving the vehicle that night. He urged them not to cooperate with law enforcement and to provide false information if questioned about the event. The following day, he directed one of his passengers to take the damaged SUV to a mechanic in Centereach, Long Island, for repairs. Images from the repair shop exhibited significant damage to the vehicle’s front end and headlight.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned Singh’s actions, expressing disappointment at the behavior of someone sworn to uphold the law. She noted that the former officer exhibited a blatant disregard for traffic regulations as he sped through the streets of Queens and attempted to evade responsibility for his actions.

Singh faces multiple charges, as indicated in an indictment unsealed on Wednesday. These include leaving the scene of an incident, conspiracy, official misconduct, and obstruction, along with various traffic violations such as speeding and running a red light. Following his arraignment in Queens Supreme Criminal Court, Singh was held on bail amounting to ,000 in cash and a 0,000 insurance bond. He pleaded not guilty.

At the time of his arrest, Singh had already resigned from the NYPD in May 2023, although the circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear. He is scheduled to appear in court again on September 24, 2023. This case raises significant concerns about accountability among law enforcement officials and the implications of such actions on community trust.