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Retired NYPD detective charged with murder in George Washington Bridge shooting
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 4:26 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 21, 2026 at 5:43 p.m. ET
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Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 4:26 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 21, 2026 at 5:43 p.m. ET
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A retired NYPD detective has been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Rockland County man on the George Washington Bridge, police officials said Wednesday.
The NYPD said 46-year-old Koran Irvine, of Valley Cottage, was fatally shot during what appeared to be a road rage incident while driving along the bridge's upper level Tuesday night. Police identified the former detective as Victor Romero, 62, of Haverstraw. Officials said Romero retired in 2001 after seven years on the force.
NYPD officials said investigators located Romero, who then voluntarily went with police. Authorities said the gun and car were recovered and that detectives are still searching his home. He retired in 2001 and lives in Haverstraw, officials said. His attorney information was not immediately available.
Port Authority police responded to reports of a one-vehicle crash on the bridge’s upper level just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the agency. Officers arrived to find Irvine unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the back of his right shoulder, according to the NYPD.
Irvine was taken to Englewood Hospital in New Jersey, where he was pronounced dead.
The Port Authority reported there were no other injuries.
A Con Edison spokesperson confirmed Irvine had worked for the utility. The company released a short statement saying employees were “heartbroken” and called the shooting a “senseless act of violence.”
The shooting caused major traffic disruptions Tuesday night as authorities shut down travel lanes to investigate. At one point, the Port Authority reported delays of up to 90 minutes on the upper level heading into New York.
The Port Authority said the bridge’s westbound upper level, closed for hours as police investigated, began reopening just after midnight. All lanes reopened for Wednesday morning’s commute.
This story has been updated with new information.
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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