Off-Duty Cop's Fatal Shooting Case Goes To Judge

A judge is deliberating the fate of a police officer who, while off-duty, fatally shot a drunk driver outside his home in the Bronx. In May 2007, cop Rafael Lora confronted Fermin Arzu, who had just crashed his minivan into other cars on the street. Believing that Arzu was reaching for a gun—and claiming that Arzu hit him and that he was being dragged by the vehicle— Lora shot Arzu, who later died. Prosecutors say Lora was free when he fired at Arzu. Lora, who opted for a bench trial, does not face jail time because Bronx prosecutors lowered the charges from first-degree manslaughter to second-degree manslaughter, which carries 11 years probation. Lora testified he was so upset that he couldn't even call 911. Arzu's family's lawyer said, "Frankly rather than acting like a heroic officer to render aid, [Lora] acted with a chicken heart."