SOMERS, N.Y. — A road rage incident on Route 6 in Somers has an off-duty New York City cop facing menacing charges for allegedly pulling a gun on a car full of teenagers after they stopped short in traffic while he was driving behind them.
In a press release, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said NYPD Warrant Squad detective and Patterson resident John O’Connell, 36, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses for the incident, which involved the officer and three 16-year-olds. The victim's names have not been released.
Officials said O’Connell was charged with one count of second-degree menacing, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon — all class A misdemeanors. O’Connell, who was off duty at the time of the incident, has been temporarily suspended from the force.
He was arraigned on the charges Aug. 29 in Somers Town Court, where he pleaded not guilty. Officials said he was released on his own recognizance as none of the charges are bail eligible. Somers Town Justice Michael McDermott provided temporary orders of protection for the victims. O'Connell is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 8.
Cacace praised the teenagers for their handling the situation and said threats stemming from road rage would not be tolerated.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to turn a traffic grievance into a lethal threat," Cacace said. "My office will now hold this defendant accountable for his outrageous behavior, as we have outlined to the court. The teenage victims in this case demonstrated a laudable measure of composure in navigating a dangerous situation to safety, and I commend them for their courage.”
Citing court filings, the DA's office said the incident happened on Thursday evening (Aug. 28) at around 8:30 p.m.
"Three 16-year-old Westchester and Putnam residents were traveling east on Route 6 in the Town of Somers when they came to a sudden halt due to changing traffic patterns," the DA's press release said. "O’Connell, operating a 2024 Honda that had been driving behind the teens and had also been forced to brake suddenly, then pulled up alongside them and rolled down his passenger-side window.
"The defendant then yelled, 'I have a gun' and pointed a loaded Glock 19 pistol at the victim driver."
Prosecutors allege that O'Connell "continued to drive in an aggressive manner toward the teens" before the young drivers were able to get away and call the police.
The case is being investigated by the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brittany Rios of the Northern Westchester Branch and Branch Chief Stephen Ronco.
Information provided by the Westchester County DA's office.
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