A Valley Stream man who was an off-duty NYPD officer when he allegedly struck and nearly killed a 22-year-old pedestrian in Queens before trying to cover up the crash has been indicted on assault, conspiracy and other charges, prosecutors said.
Jatinderpal Singh, 26, was arraigned Sept. 2 on a 14-count indictment stemming from the March 14 hit-and-run in South Ozone Park, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Prosecutors said Singh was driving a friend’s black Cadillac Escalade at a high rate of speed near Rockaway Boulevard and 122nd Place at about 2:03 a.m. when he struck the woman as she crossed the street.
Singh allegedly fled without stopping to help her.
The woman was knocked unconscious and rushed to a hospital with severe injuries to her head and torso, prosecutors said. Her spleen was removed and metal rods were placed in her legs.
Prosecutors allege Singh then tried to cover up the crash.
The following day, Singh allegedly directed one of the passengers who had been in the Escalade to have the vehicle repaired in Centereach. Photos later obtained by investigators showed damage to the front of the SUV and its headlight, according to the district attorney.
Singh also allegedly told a passenger to delete photos and videos from his phone showing Singh driving the vehicle that night and instructed the passengers to lie to police and refuse to cooperate with investigators.
Prosecutors said Singh never reported the crash to his NYPD command or any other department official. He resigned from the NYPD in May.
“As alleged, this defendant was sworn to uphold the law and instead showed complete disregard for the rules of the road as he sped through the streets of Queens and struck a pedestrian,” Katz said. “He then fled the scene, failed to help the victim and attempted to cover up his alleged actions.”
Singh is charged with second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, fifth-degree conspiracy, official misconduct, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving and several traffic violations.
He is due back in court Sept. 24.
Singh faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
The charges are accusations and Singh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Photo: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz speaks at a recent news conference. Photo courtesy of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz via X.
