Bronx family demands answers after loved one dies in crash; 2 NYPD officers suspended
Police said 31-year-old Francisco Guzman was driving a 2025 Honda CRV southbound on the Henry Hudson Parkway, exited on Dyckman Street and collided with a Parks Department building before the car burst into flames.
A Bronx family is demanding answers after they say their loved one died in a car chase, and the NYPD officers involved left the scene without properly reporting it.
It happened around 5 a.m. on April 2 in the Inwood section of Manhattan.
Police said 31-year-old Francisco Guzman was driving a 2025 Honda CRV southbound on the Henry Hudson Parkway, exited on Dyckman Street and collided with a Parks Department building before the car burst into flames.
Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene. Sources tell News 12 the Honda was reported stolen.
The victim’s family claimed officers assigned to the 50th Precinct in Kingsbridge chased the Bronx man into Manhattan, then left the scene after the crash. As of Saturday afternoon, News 12 has not been able to confirm that with police, but a spokesperson said two officers involved in the incident have been suspended pending review.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that you leave someone to die that way,” said Iliana Rosario, Guzman’s cousin. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s disgusting as people that are trusting you to serve and protect our community.”
The NYPD said the incident is under review by its Force Investigation Division and the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Todd A. Spodek, Esq., the family’s attorney, issued a statement:
“We are investigating an extremely troubling incident involving a vehicle crash that occurred after a police pursuit. There are serious allegations that the pursuing officers ceased emergency signals and abandoned the scene without reporting the crash or calling for emergency services. This alleged conduct raises significant concerns about accountability and the standard of care expected from law enforcement, particularly from the NYPD. We are 100% committed to pursuing justice for his children and family.”
