Man Released After Vandalizing NYPD Vehicles

A man accused of vandalizing several NYPD cruisers was released on Wednesday due to New York City’s bail reform laws.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Christian Genwright from Long Island, is said to have targeted nearly twelve police vehicles, according to reports. The incident took place late Monday outside the 116th Precinct in Queens where he allegedly slashed a tire and smashed several windshields.

Interestingly, just before his arrest on Tuesday, Genwright reportedly backed his car in a manner that nearly struck a police vehicle as officers approached.

ABC 7 noted that both marked and unmarked police cars were vandalized, describing the act as “brazen” given the presence of security cameras around the precinct.

Charges against Genwright include reckless endangerment, fourteen counts of criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and two counts of weapon possession. Reports indicate he’s had previous arrests.

During his arraignment, he was released under the supervision of Judge Jennifer Tubridy since the nature of the charges did not allow for bail under state law.

Earlier this year, it was reported that several individuals accused of assaulting NYPD officers were similarly released without bail, highlighting a trend associated with the state’s bail laws that exclude certain crimes from bail eligibility.

Additionally, records from 2022 revealed that many individuals released under these laws went on to face new criminal charges. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signing of the bail reform bill has allowed for the release of suspects involved in serious offenses without the requirement for bail, creating a wide-ranging impact on public safety.