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Drunk Off-Duty Cop Who Shot Up Car At Stop Light Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder
By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 23, 2015
Modified Sep 23, 2015
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By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 23, 2015
Modified Sep 23, 2015
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NYPD Officer Brendan Cronin, who was arrested last April for allegedly firing 13 rounds into a civilian vehicle in Westchester County while off duty—after a night of drinking—plead guilty yesterday to attempted murder, assault, and driving under the influence.
Appearing in Westchester County Court on Tuesday, Cronin admitted that he pulled up next to a car at a stop light in Pelham on April 29, 2014, exited his vehicle, and fired at a nearby car with his 9mm Glock. According to CBS, unreleased surveillance video used in the trial confirms this.
"You freely and voluntarily admit that you committed those offenses, and you shot into that the vehicle multiple times?" said Assistant DA Tim Ward in court.
Cronin replied simply, "I do."
New Rochelle residents Robert Borelli and Joseph Felice were driving home from a hockey game shortly before midnight when Cronin shot at their car. Felice, who was in the passenger seat, was shot six times in the lungs, arms, and torso and barely survived. Borelli was not hit.
Earlier that day, 28-year-old Cronin—a six-year veteran of the 46th Precinct in the Bronx—had visited a Bronx NYPD firing range with several other officers. Afterwards, he and the officers went to a bar on City Island, where he reportedly had 10 drinks.
Cronin, who fled the scene in his vehicle, was soon stopped by police. According to the NYPD at the time, Cronin pointed his gun at officers, dropping the weapon after a tense standoff. He refused to take a breathalyzer test at the scene. One source told the Post that Cronin said he did not remember firing his gun.
The Journal News reports that Judge Barry Warhit accepted Cronin's plea deal, which calls for nine years in prison for the murder and assault charges, and an additional year for the DWI.
"I am sure that if I fired a weapon into a police car, I would be doing more than nine years," Felice told CBS on Monday. According to the news outlet, Felice is pushing for a 12.5 year sentence, which is half of the maximum 25.
Cronin's sentencing is scheduled for December 2nd.
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alcoholism
nypd
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westchester
yonkers
Emma Whitford
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