N.Y. Attorney General’s Office Clears Officer in Gucciardo Death

New York – The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James has released its findings on the tragic death of Teresa Gucciardo, whose life was cut short following a collision with an off-duty Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) officer.

The report, published today, finds insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against the officer involved in the fatal incident that took place on November 28, 2022, in Commack, Suffolk County.

On the fateful day, an off-duty NCPD officer was driving his personal vehicle when he struck Gucciardo, a pedestrian, while making a turn in a shopping center parking lot. Despite being transported to a local hospital, Ms. Gucciardo succumbed to her injuries on December 22, 2022.

According to the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that the officer was driving recklessly or speeding at the time of the collision. The officer promptly reported the incident to emergency services and remained at the scene for statements taken by the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD).

The OSI concluded that the standard of care expected from a reasonable person in similar circumstances was not violated by the officer’s actions, therefore, no criminal charges would be filed.

While no Portable Breath Test (PBT) was conducted on the officer following the accident, the OSI advises that all officers and supervisors should administer PBTs during vehicular crashes involving police to ensure accuracy in such investigations.