New Rochelle Police Officer Harry Kyreakedes charged with DWI vehicular manslaughter; killed Isaac Ward
From New York Post
Prosecutors say a police officer was off-duty and drunk when he crashed his vehicle into a tree in a suburb north of New York City, killing a friend who was riding with him.
Twenty-seven-year-old Harry Kyreakedes was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated following the Monday morning accident in White Plains that claimed the life of 27-year-old Isaac Ward.
David Chong, the Westchester County city’s public safety commissioner, said Kyreakedes had a blood-alcohol content of 0.23 percent when he crashed his Jeep into a tree around 3 a.m.
Kyreakedes had a blood-alcohol content of 0.23 percent when he crashed his Jeep into a tree around 3 a.m.
Ward was unresponsive when he was rushed to White Plains Hospital Center, where he later died. Kyreakedes underwent surgery for serious injuries to his legs.
Kyreakedes joined the city of New Rochelle Police Department about a year ago. It couldn’t be determined if he has a lawyer.  MORE
From LoHud.com
Killer and Ward were best buddies
Ward and Kyreakedes, both from Beacon Hill Drive in Dobbs Ferry, were longtime friends and 2007 graduates of Dobbs Ferry High School. Ward’s death and his pal’s arrest jolted the tight-knit community. Several friends and ex-classmates reached on Facebook and by phone said they were uncomfortable speaking for attribution in deference to both families.
They all referred to Ward by his nickname, Hooshie, and recalled his good nature and sense of humor. Some worked with him on village recreation programs, others grew up with him on Beacon Hill.
Police said it appeared that Kyreakedes was driving toward downtown White Plains when he crashed into the tree just outside CVS between Rutherford and Livingston avenues. Where the two had been before and whether either were wearing seat belts are still under investigation, Detective Lt. Eric Fischer said Tuesday.
Flowers, memorial candles, and several items with the logo of Ward’s beloved New York Yankees marked the base of the tree Monday.
Officer to be suspended
Kyreakedes was placed on administrative leave and would be suspended once departmental charges are filed, said Deputy Commissioner Joseph Schaller.
He was hired in July 2015 and graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy in December. His year in uniform included a month of local training and his probationary period concluded in October. Schaller said there was “nothing noteworthy” in Kyreakedes’ conduct and performance since he became a cop.