A former NYPD detective accused of fatally shooting a man in a violent road-rage confrontation on the George Washington Bridge fled the scene in a Range Rover owned by his hedge fund employer, according to a report.
Victor Romero, 62, faces charges in the death of Koran Irvine, a 46-year-old Con Edison worker who was shot on the bridge Tuesday evening. Romero formerly served as an NYPD detective.
Prosecutors allege Romero was behind the wheel of an SUV belonging to his employer when the shooting occurred. He worked as a driver and private security guard for QVT Financial, a biotech and energy investment firm, the New York Post reported.
The outlet reported that Romero had been assigned to drive the company’s chief executive, Dan Gold.
The NYPD is investigating the deadly shooting that occurred on the George Washington Bridge in New York City. (FNTV)
“We are aware of the press reports concerning Victor Romero and are cooperating with the authorities in this matter,” QVT Financial said in a statement to News Media.
Romero appeared in court Thursday, where a judge approved the district attorney’s request for $1 million bond. He is charged with first-degree manslaughter.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sears said the confrontation began when Romero and Irvine nearly collided while approaching the bridge. The initial encounter was captured on surveillance video, prosecutors alleged in court.
Koran Irvine, 46, was shot in the shoulder and later died, reports say. (GoFundMe)
The footage allegedly shows Romero driving closely behind Irvine’s vehicle and tailgating it aggressively as the cars crossed the bridge.
According to prosecutors, Romero then moved quickly to the right of Irvine’s moving car and fired once from the driver’s seat. The bullet traveled through the rear passenger-side window, struck Irvine in the right shoulder and ultimately proved fatal.
Investigators comb the scene for clues as to what may have led up to a deadly shooting on the George Washington Bridge. (FNTV)
Surveillance video also shows Irvine’s vehicle suddenly veering into the far-right lane before stopping amid active traffic.
Investigators used video footage and vehicle-registration records to determine that the SUV Romero was driving belonged to QVT Financial and had been assigned to him.
Prosecutors maintained that Romero’s vehicle was the only one positioned to fire the shot that killed Irvine.
After the shooting, Romero allegedly drove past Irvine’s car, continued across the bridge and headed north on the Palisades Interstate Parkway toward his Rockland County home. Authorities said he did not call 911 or turn himself in.
Detectives found Romero and the company vehicle the next day at his Manhattan workplace.
Koran Irvine worked for Con Edison in New York. (Instagram/Meta: Koran Irvine)
Authorities recovered a revolver from Romero, who told investigators he carried the weapon every day, prosecutors said. A later search of his home uncovered two more handguns.
Prosecutors said all three firearms are now being examined forensically.
With members of Irvine’s family present in court, Sears pointed to the strong video evidence, the severe mandatory prison sentence Romero faces if convicted, and his flight from the scene in requesting the million dollar bail.
Romero is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 27.
News Media has reached out to Romero’s attorney, Alan Abramson, for comment.