Charges Against NYC Officers for Cover-Up of Drunk-Driving Incident

On Friday, two police officers in New York City were charged with attempting to conceal a drunk-driving accident involving a fellow officer in Manhattan.

Officers Michael Caligiuri and Ryan McLaurin reported to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office early that morning to face charges that include tampering with evidence and misconduct in office.

Both officers, who work out of the 10th Precinct in Chelsea, entered not guilty pleas in front of Judge Cori Weston of the Manhattan Supreme Court.

The courtroom was packed with fellow officers showing their support during this brief hearing, while union leaders criticized the case as an overreach by prosecutor Alvin Bragg.

This incident dates back to an October 2024 car crash in Chelsea involving an off-duty officer from the NYPD.

Prosecutors allege that Caligiuri did not interrogate his colleague, Eli Garcia, about whether he was intoxicated and purposefully used his body camera in a way to avoid fully documenting their exchange.

Text messages revealed that the two officers were uncertain about how to handle the situation, with Caligiuri removing his camera while McLaurin kept his on. Following the crash, they also failed to chase after Garcia as he left the scene, and didn’t report his departure on police radio.

Hours later, another officer charged Garcia with driving under the influence at his home. Fortunately, there don’t seem to be reports of any injuries resulting from the crash.

Garcia pleaded guilty in December 2024 and received conditional release, subsequently resigning from the NYPD.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, criticized the prosecution, labeling it as “another overreach” by Bragg, and expressed concern regarding the impact on the officers’ reputations.

Hendry argued that the officers acted appropriately and should never have faced charges, stating, “We shouldn’t be here today. This case shouldn’t have gone to a grand jury.”

In response, Bragg asserted that the officers allegedly made significant efforts to protect their colleague from repercussions, which he believes severely damages public trust in law enforcement. He emphasized the necessity for equal treatment under the law for everyone, irrespective of their position.

The NYPD has yet to provide any comments on the matter.

The next court date has been scheduled for June 15th.