Retired cop indicted for drunk driving fatality

Authorities indicted retired police officer Jorge Hernaiz for allegedly driving while intoxicated and killing a Washington Heights man on May 31 on Broadway near the intersection with the Henry Hudson Parkway.

He faces up to 25 years in prison if found guilty on charges of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and other crimes, according Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson’s office.

The victim, Mario Nunez, died at St. Barnabas Hospital on June 5.

After he was arrested, Mr. Hernaiz reportedly confessed that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash. The criminal complaint quoted him telling police he drank a bottle of vodka in his car and a can of beer at a billiards venue before driving his 2013 Toyota Camry onto the Henry Hudson Parkway. Mr. Hernaiz claimed he checked for cars and pedestrians, but did not see anything near the off ramp of Exit 23.

Responding police found Mr. Nunez lying in a pool of blood while Mr. Hernaiz was unsteady on his feet near his dented vehicle. The Camry reportedly contained a pint-sized bottle of Svedka Vodka with just one ounce remaining.

An officer said Mr. Hernaiz refused to place his hands behind his back during the arrest, fighting and saying, “I don’t want to have to hurt one of you.” It reportedly took six officers to restrain the suspect, causing one officer to strain his back.

Mr. Hernaiz’s next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26.