An NYPD Deputy Inspector was indicted last week for attempting to cover up a 2022 drunk driving incident involving his girlfriend who allegedly crashed his unmarked police vehicle into a cab after a night of drinking.
According to a June 13 press release from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Deputy Inspector Paul Zangrilli faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including tampering with evidence, first-degree falsifying records, official misconduct, and driving while intoxicated, in connection to the 2022 incident and his attempts to cover it up.
Zangrilli had been out drinking at a bar with his girlfriend, 35-year-old Nikole Rupple, in the summer of 2022 when she crashed into a cab while driving his unmarked police vehicle. Rupple then left the scene and later pulled over where she switched seats with Zangrilli.
The cabbie called the police for assistance and caught up with the couple as a patrol car pulled Zangrilli over.
Zangrilli offered to pay the cabbie instead of exchanging insurance information. The officer told the cabbie to file a police report at the precinct and left.
The cabbie then called 911 to report the incident.
Meanwhile, Zangrilli called the precinct to request a duty captain come to the scene while Rupple made herself scarce. He told the captain that he got into a crash while driving alone on his way to work and pulled over as soon as he could.
After arriving at work in the Manhattan police precinct he commanded, Zangrilli called the owner of the bar where he and Rupple were drinking to ask him to delete the surveillance footage for the three hours the couple was there.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg described Zangrilli’s behavior as “incredibly dangerous,” saying it led to the cab driver being injured and placed other pedestrians and drivers at risk.
Bragg added that the DA’s office would continue to hold public servants who “violate the public trust” accountable.
Zangrilli pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Nikole Rupple, who was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident, also pleaded not guilty.
