Officer Anastasio Tsakos of the NYPD was struck and killed by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver.
Officer Tsakos responded to the scene of a fatal automobile accident on the Long Island Expressway. He was redirecting traffic when a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old woman swerved to avoid other cars and hit Officer Tsakos as he stood next to his patrol vehicle.
Officer Tsakos was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended. An investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated and driving with a suspended driver’s license. She faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of a deadly accident, and driving while intoxicated.
Officer Tsakos served with the NYPD for 14 years and was assigned to the Highway Unit. He is survived by his wife, 6-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son.