A New York Police Department inspector has been accused of lying to investigators and trying to delete incriminating video footage after his girlfriend crashed his police car into a cab while drunk, prosecutors said Thursday.
Deputy Inspector Paul Zangrilli, who oversaw a police precinct in Manhattan, allegedly tried to cover up the 2022 crash by switching seats with his girlfriend after the accident and then offering money to the cab driver.
Zangrilli has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Eric Franz, said Zangrilli was a respected inspector and has been waiting two years to clear his name.
According to Manhattan prosecutors, Zangrilli was drinking with his girlfriend one summer night when he let her drive his unmarked police vehicle. She crashed into a cab, and instead of reporting the incident, Zangrilli switched seats with her and drove away. When the cab driver caught up with them and flagged down another police officer, Zangrilli offered money to the cab driver instead of exchanging insurance information.
Prosecutors also allege that Zangrilli called an NYPD captain and lied, saying he had been driving alone and was on his way to work when the crash happened. He then allegedly signed into work at his precinct and tried to get the bar’s owner to delete video footage of their drinking session.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Zangrilli’s actions were dangerous and put many others at risk. Zangrilli is charged with various felonies, including tampering with evidence and offering a false instrument for filing. He’s also charged with misdemeanors related to misconduct and obstruction.
Zangrilli’s girlfriend was also charged with drunken driving and pleaded not guilty.
Zangrilli earned around $200,000 in base pay and other compensation in 2023, according to public salary records. He has been suspended without pay, the NYPD said.