FORMER POLICE OFFICER IS SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR VEHICULAR ASSAULT IN THE 2ND DEGREE

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that former New York City Police Officer Michael Lombardy, 47, of the Bronx, has been sentenced to a term of four years imprisonment for the March 2004 “hit and run” accident that left two young pedestrians seriously injured.

Lombardy of City Island, pled guilty last month to two counts of Vehicular assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony offense. Under the terms of the plea agreement, State Supreme Court Justice Lawrence H. Bernstein sentenced Lombardy to a term of four years imprisonment.

The incident occurred on March 27, 2004, in the vicinity of White Plains Road and McGraw Avenue. Police Officer Nathaniel Anthony, according to court papers, observed Lombardy driving erratically with no headlights on, while sticking his head out of the driver’s side window. The front windshield was shattered. Officer Anthony said a witness approached him and reported that the car Lombardy was driving had struck two pedestrians at Castle Hill and St. Raymond Avenues and did not stop.

Lombardy continued driving and still failed to stop after running two red lights while Officer Anthony pursued him in a marked police vehicle with his lights and sirens operating. The defendant was apprehended when his car was overtaken and cut off by the police vehicle. The arresting officer said that defendant’s speech was slurred and incoherent; his eyes were watery and bloodshot and there was a strong distinctive smell of alcohol on his breath. There was also blood on Lombardy’s face and on the steering wheel of his car, according to court papers.

The victims, Michael Castano, 21, and Suehaye Santiago, 19, were taken to Jacobi Hospital where they were admitted in critical condition. Castano has had multiple surgeries to repair his broken legs and remains in a wheelchair. Santiago suffered head injuries, a broken leg and broken arm. As a result of her injuries, Santiago also suffered a stroke leaving the left side of her body partially paralyzed, and blind in the left eye. Santiago also has metal plates and pins in her left arm and leg, and remains wheelchair bound.

Assistant District Attorney Nadia Chanza of the Trial Bureau prosecuted this case.