NYPD Investigating If Alcohol Played A Part In Wrong-Way Crash On S.I.
LINDEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - NYPD investigators are looking to test the blood alcohol level of 27-year-old Pedro Abad, the off-duty Linden police officer behind the wheel driving the wrong way Friday with three passengers while on Staten Island's West Shore Expressway.
Minutes before the horrific crash, surveillance video from a gas station shows the car going the wrong way on a service road leading to the expressway.
The wreck killed 28-year-old Linden officer Frank Viggiano and a friend, Joe Rodriguez.
As CBS2's Jessica Schneider reported Friday, the three off-duty Linden, New Jersey, cops and their friends spent the early morning hours at a gentleman's club called Curves near Tottenville.
The department is now in mourning, Linden Police Captain James Sarnicki told WCBS 880's Jim Smith.
"Our officers are coping, we do have grief counselors and a police chaplain available," Sarnicki said.
Sarnicki would not comment on a social media posting by the driver posted hours before the crash showing shots of alcohol.
Abad and a second officer remain in critical condition.