Police officer loses 35 days’ pay after DUI accident in Manhattan that resulted in the death of his own dog.

In a significant disciplinary action, an off-duty New York City police officer has been sanctioned by the NYPD following a drunken-driving incident that resulted in the death of one of his dogs and injuries to another. Officer Shreeganesh Meade has been docked 35 days of pay and placed on dismissal probation, as detailed in official NYPD documentation.

The incident occurred on November 19, 2017, when Meade, after consuming three rum drinks with a healthcare aide, got behind the wheel of his Toyota 4Runner while allegedly texting on his phone. This reckless behavior led to a crash into the median on the West Side Highway near West 48th Street, around 4 a.m. At the time of the accident, his blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.13, significantly over the legal limit.

Following the accident, Meade fled the scene on foot, a fact corroborated by surveillance footage. He opened a back door of his vehicle, allowing his two German Shepherds to escape before he departed. Subsequently, both dogs were struck by separate vehicles, leading to one sustaining injuries while the other was killed. Despite the severity of the events, it took approximately 15 months for Meade to be charged after the crash.

After the incident, a friend came to pick him up near Chelsea Piers, reporting that Meade appeared injured, reeking of alcohol, and was slurring his speech. The officer was then taken home, where he changed clothes before being driven to a hospital for treatment of a traumatic brain injury. Upon recovering, he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired—an infraction—but did not face charges until much later.

The internal disciplinary hearing, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, took place the previous October. Meade testified during the trial that he had since reformed his life, emphasizing that he had not consumed alcohol in about a year and had served in the National Guard from 2018 to 2025. He also obtained his EMT license and highlighted the personal challenges he faced, including the deaths of his parents and the care of elderly family members.

NYPD trial judge Jeff Adler acknowledged the mitigating circumstances Meade presented, but stressed the importance of accountability among officers, both on and off duty, noting that it was fortunate no one else was injured as a result of the incident.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch upheld the recommendation for punishment but did not elaborate on the decision. Meade, who is currently assigned to the Midtown North Precinct, did not respond to inquiries for comment. However, his attorney, Edward Paltzik, defended Meade as a committed public servant, suggesting that he has the potential for a productive career moving forward. The case has sparked discussions regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers, both on and off duty, highlighting the profound implications of their actions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by those in law enforcement and the consequences of straying from the standards expected of them.