Former NYPD Detective Pleads Guilty to DUI, Shooting Partner in Wrist

A former NYPD detective pleaded guilty Friday to drunk driving and assault charges stemming from an April incident in which his weapon discharged and his partner was shot in the wrist while they were on duty.

As part of the plea, Jay Poggi, 57, must complete an intensive alcohol treatment program and have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicles registered to him. Prosecutors say he is required to participate in a victim impact panel, part of an awareness program for first-time DWI offenders, and pay a $500 fine. His license is also suspended.

Prosecutors said Poggi, a 31-year veteran of the force, and his partner were on duty in Queens April 24 to follow up on a lead in a robbery they were investigating when the gun went off. An investigation revealed Poggi had taken out his Smith and Wesson revolver and was showing the weapon's hammer to his partner when it discharged. The partner was wounded.

Poggi drove his partner to the hospital, where Poggi was observed to have bloodshot eyes. A field sobriety test showed his blood alcohol level was .11, above the legal limit of .08. He later refused to submit to a breath alcohol exam at the 112th Precinct station.

Poggi's partner, who has been with the NYPD for 12 years, was not seriously injured.

Poggi's employment with the NYPD was terminated May 23 based on the recommendation of the Office of the NYPD Trial Commissioner.  

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