Retired NYPD member charged with murder in connection to GWB shooting, law enforcement sources say
Person of interest in custody in fatal GWB shooting
A person of interest is in custody in connection to the GWB deadly shooting that took place Tuesday night. Law enforcement sources now confirming that the person of interest is a former member of the NYPD. FOX 5 NY's Arthur Chi'en has the details.
NEW YORK - Victor Romero, 62, has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting on the George Washington Bridge, according to NYPD.
Person charged with murder in connection to GWB shooting
What we know:
Law enforcement sources tell FOX 5 NY that Romero is a retired member of the NYPD.
The Associated Press is reporting that Romero retired in 2001 after he was wounded in an off-duty shootout with men attempting to rob his family's laundromat in Brooklyn.
Port Authority police responded to the GW Bridge just after 7 p.m. Tuesday following reports of a single-car crash on the New Jersey-bound upper level.
George Washington Bridge reopens after driver found fatally shot
The NYPD is searching for a gunman after a 46-year-old driver was found with a fatal gunshot wound on the George Washington Bridge, causing severe traffic backups in Manhattan and the Bronx for several hours. FOX 5 NY's Frances Wang has the latest.
Officers arrived and found a blue Volkswagen that had crashed into the middle divider. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Koran Irvine of Rockland County, suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder and was rushed to Englewood Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said Irvine was found unconscious and unresponsive behind the wheel. The rear passenger window was shattered and appeared to have bullet damage.
Major traffic backup
Local perspective:
The massive police response led to highway gridlock that stretched miles from Manhattan into the Bronx.
Westbound traffic remained at a standstill for nearly six hours before the bridge's upper level reopened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Con Edison statement on driver shot
What they're saying:
Con Edison confirmed in a statement to FOX 5 NY that Irvine was an employee.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Con Edison family in this senseless act of violence. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew and loved him."
NYPD investigating
What we don't know:
A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities have not said publicly whether the incident stemmed from road rage or a targeted attack.
It was also unclear if the shooting occurred on the bridge, a ramp or before the driver entered the highway.
The Source: This story was written with information from the NYPD's Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.