SHARE

Report: Off-Duty Cop From Westchester In Fatal DWI Crash Claims 'No Fault'

The off-duty New Rochelle police officer who was drinking before he crashed his vehicle last year, killing his best friend, stated there was no negligence on his part, and his victim should have worn a seatbelt, according to a lohud report.

Harry Kyreakedes

Harry Kyreakedes

Photo Credit: Facebook

Harry Kyreakedes, who was sentenced to time in state prison for his role in the fatal crash that took the life of Isaac Ward, reportedly stated that there was “no negligence, fault or culpable conduct” on his part,” according to the report, which cited papers filed in Supreme Court in White Plains this week.

The court papers were filed in response to a lawsuit filed by Ward's family, in which his mother alleged that Kyreakedes was "negligent, reckless and careless." Kyreakedes contends that Ward should have worn a seat belt, which neither man was.

“Kyreakedes’ actions were of such a wanton, willful and reckless nature as to evince a callous disregard for human life,” the lawsuit reads, naming the owners and operators of the Brazen Fox, Brother Jimmy's BBQ in White Plains and the Celtic Corner in Dobbs Ferry.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr. said that at approximately midnight on Jan. 2, Kyreakedes was out drinking with friends, including his victim, 27-year-old Isaac Ward, at a bar in Dobbs Ferry. After a “period of time,” they then drove to White Plains to frequent a different watering hole.

According to Scarpino, shortly before 3 a.m., all four men left White Plains, taking two cars. While driving on Mamaroneck Avenue, Kyreakedes lost control of his SUV, crashing into a parking meter, stop sign and tree before coming to a rest in front of CVS, between Rutherford Street and Livingston Avenue.

Both Ward and Kyreakedes sustained serious injuries. Ward was given CPR at the scene and transported to White Plains Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Kyreakedes, who was pinned in the driver’s compartment following the crash, had to be extricated from the vehicle, suffering extensive injuries to his leg.

Kyreakedes, a Dobbs Ferry High School graduate, underwent a series of surgery at Westchester Medical Center, where samples of his blood were obtained through a court order and search warrant. Police said that samples of Kyreakedes’ blood showed that his blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash was greater than .18 percent - more than double the legal limit.

to follow Daily Voice North Salem and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE