QUEENS, N.Y. – A former NYPD officer has been indicted after allegedly mowing down a 22-year-old woman in South Ozone Park, leaving her critically injured and then orchestrating a cover-up that included repairing the damaged SUV and telling witnesses to lie to police, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Jatinderpal Singh, 26, of Valley Stream, was arraigned on a 14-count indictment charging him with second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, conspiracy, evidence tampering, official misconduct and other offenses. Singh, who was an off-duty NYPD officer when the March 14 collision occurred, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
The woman was knocked unconscious and suffered catastrophic injuries, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Her spleen was removed, metal rods were placed in her legs and she suffered severe trauma to her head and torso.
Key Points
- Former NYPD officer Jatinderpal Singh is accused of striking a 22-year-old pedestrian in South Ozone Park and fleeing without helping her.
- Prosecutors allege Singh later arranged repairs to the damaged Cadillac Escalade and told passengers to delete evidence and lie to investigators.
- Singh faces up to seven years in prison if convicted and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 24.
Prosecutors Detail South Ozone Park Hit-and-Run
According to the charges and investigation, Singh was driving a friend’s black Cadillac Escalade at a high rate of speed near Rockaway Boulevard and 122nd Place at approximately 2:03 a.m. March 14.
The 22-year-old woman was crossing the street when Singh allegedly struck her. Prosecutors say he then drove away without rendering aid.
“As alleged, this defendant was sworn to uphold the law and instead showed complete disregard for the rules of the road as he sped through the streets of Queens and struck a pedestrian,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
The victim was unconscious following the collision and rushed to a hospital. In addition to severe head and torso trauma, prosecutors said doctors removed her spleen and placed metal rods in her legs.
DA Says Singh Tried to Cover His Tracks
Prosecutors allege Singh’s actions continued well after he left the scene.
The following day, Singh allegedly directed one of the passengers who had been inside the Escalade to get the vehicle repaired in Centereach on Long Island. Photos taken at the repair shop and later obtained from the vehicle’s owner showed damage to the front body and headlight, according to the district attorney’s office.
Singh also allegedly failed to report the collision to his NYPD command or another department official despite a protocol requiring him to do so.
Instead, prosecutors allege he told a passenger to delete photographs and videos from his phone showing Singh driving the Escalade on March 14. He is also accused of instructing passengers to lie to police and refuse to cooperate with investigators.
“He then fled the scene, failed to help the victim and attempted to cover up his alleged actions,” Katz said. “There are serious consequences for endangering the lives of pedestrians.”
Singh resigned from the NYPD in May.
Former Officer Faces Up to Seven Years
Singh was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone on the 14-count indictment.
In addition to assault and reckless endangerment, the indictment charges him with two counts of tampering with physical evidence, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, fifth-degree conspiracy, official misconduct, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and reckless driving.
He also faces several traffic-related charges, including unreasonable speed, speeding, failing to stop at a red light, failing to exercise due care and failing to stop at a sign.
Justice Vallone ordered Singh to return to court Sept. 24. The charges are allegations, and Singh is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What is former NYPD officer Jatinderpal Singh accused of doing?
Prosecutors allege Singh struck a 22-year-old woman with a Cadillac Escalade in South Ozone Park, fled without helping her and later tried to conceal what happened.
How badly was the pedestrian injured?
The Queens District Attorney’s Office said she suffered severe head and torso trauma, had her spleen removed and required metal rods to be placed in her legs.
How much prison time does Singh face?
Singh faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to Queens Supreme Court on Sept. 24.
Sources: Queens County District Attorney’s Office press release; 14-count indictment and investigation details summarized by prosecutors.
