Accidentally Shot His Partner
A veteran NYPD detective found himself on the wrong side of the law last Thursday morning, Apr. 24, for allegedly driving drunk after he accidentally shot his partner, law enforcement sources said.
Police stated Det. Jay Poggi, 58, was released without bail but suspended by the NYPD without pay after being arraigned last Thursday in Queens Criminal Court for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities said the incident occurred sometime after 1:30 a.m. last Thursday within the confines of the 106th Precinct.
Sources familiar with the investigation stated that Poggi-a 30- year NYPD member assigned to the 75th Precinct Detective Squad-and his partner, Det. Matthew Sullivan, were inside an unmarked police cruiser returning from a meal when Poggi showed Sullivan his Smith and Wesson revolver.
In doing so, law enforcement agents stated, the gun accidentally went off, and a bullet struck Sullivan in the wrist. Poggi drove Sullivan to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for treatment of his injury, which reportedly required surgery.
When 102nd Precinct officers arrived at the hospital and questioned Poggi about the incident, according to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, they noticed he allegedly exhibited signs of intoxication, including a strong alcohol odor on his breath and bloodshot eyes.
Poggi subsequently took a field sobriety test which reportedly revealed he had a blood alcohol level of .113 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.
Prosecutors said he later refused to submit to further testing at the 112th Precinct’s Forest Hills stationhouse.
Sgt. Idris Guven of the NYPD Internal Affairs Division took the detective into custody on drunk driving charges. Poggi is scheduled to return to court on June 16.
Assistant District Attorney James M. Liander, chief of the DA’s Integrity Bureau, and the NYPD Internal Affairs Division are conducting further investigation into the case.
