A retired NYPD detective has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Con Edison worker on the George Washington Bridge, authorities announced Wednesday. Victor Romero, 62, of Haverstraw, New York, was arrested and faces a murder charge in the death of Koran Irvine, 46, of Valley Cottage, New York.
Police say the shooting occurred Tuesday at approximately 7:18 p.m. on the outbound upper level of the George Washington Bridge. Irvine was driving a blue Volkswagen Golf in the westbound lanes when he was struck by gunfire. He crashed into a median, was taken to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey, and later pronounced dead.
Investigation Details
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD) confirmed they received reports of a one-vehicle crash on the westbound upper level of the bridge. Responding officers found Irvine with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed Irvine’s vehicle had been involved in a near-collision with another driver moments before the shooting.
Romero, who previously served as an NYPD detective and left the force 25 years ago, was driving a black Range Rover at the time of the incident, according to reports. He was taken into custody Wednesday morning and charged with second-degree murder. The NYPD stated the shooting is being investigated as a possible road rage incident involving two Rockland County residents.
Victim’s Background
Irvine, an off-duty Con Edison worker, was pronounced dead at the hospital. No other injuries were reported. The shooting prompted authorities to close the westbound lanes of the upper deck of the nearly mile-long bridge for several hours while investigators collected evidence and conducted interviews.
Police have not released further details about the alleged confrontation or the motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting.