Yonkers detective Frank Fernandez killed after crashing his car into a fire truck was driving drunk and speeding, police say
The Yonkers Police Department said Detective Frank Fernandez had a blood alcohol content of more than twice the legal limit in New York.
Friday, October 14, 2016 04:47PM
YONKERS, New York (WABC) -- Police said an off-duty Yonkers police detective who died after crashing his car into a fire truck was under the influence of alcohol.
The Yonkers Police Department said Detective Frank Fernandez had a blood alcohol content of .22 - which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in New York.
The investigation found Fernandez crossed the center line on Palmer Road at about 2:48 a.m. on February 14 and struck the fire truck head-on. He died at the scene.
Police said speed is also a possible contributing factor in the crash.
Four members of the Yonkers Fire Department who were in the fire truck involved in the crash were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Police Commissioner Charles Gardner issued a statement along with the results of the investigation:
"We remain deeply saddened by the loss of a member of our Yonkers Police Department family. Detective Frank Fernandez was a valued member of the Yonkers Police Department with over 15 years of dedicated service to the department and the Yonkers Community. This unfortunate and tragic accident leaves behind a wife and two small children, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Fernandez, who was 45 years old, had been with the Yonkers Police Department for 15 years.