An off-duty police officer riding his motorcycle in Inwood was fatally struck by a drunk driver in the neighborhood early yesterday morning. Newsday reports that 31-year-old Officer Alexander Felix was riding on Broadway at Dongan Place around 1AM when a minivan driven by Kevin Casado crossed over the double yellow line and "plowed head-on" into Felix. Felix, who had been waiting for the light to change, was hit so hard his helmet flew off his head and was "propelled into a parked car" (Daily News).
Felix was a three-year veteran of the police force, and he had also been an auxiliary police officer for eight years. Felix's wife is expecting a baby next month. Relatives said that he and his wife had spent the weekend painting the baby's room.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said of Felix's death, "This is a terrible tragedy. A fine young man. Another tragedy associated with driving while drinking." Casado's blood alcohol was 0.18, which is almost double the limit of 0.10. He was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving and DWI.
