In a devastating incident that occurred on December 1, 2022, a teenage driver with a learner’s permit was involved in a head-on collision that resulted in the death of Yonkers Detective Sgt. Frank Gualdino. The 53-year-old detective, affectionately known as “Furby” within the department, was only eight months away from retirement. The collision took place in Westchester County, New York, a suburb of New York City.
According to prosecutors, the 16-year-old driver lost control of his BMW, crossed double yellow lines, and crashed into Gualdino’s car. The detective was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He left behind his wife of nearly 30 years and two children. The tragic loss has deeply impacted his family and the Yonkers Police Department.
Following a year-long investigation, the driver was arrested and indicted on a felony charge of criminally negligent homicide. The grand jury’s decision was accompanied by a poignant detail: the teenager was brought into court wearing Gualdino’s handcuffs. Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah expressed her commitment to seeking accountability for this tragic incident.
The teenager’s lawyer, Peter Tilem, acknowledged the severity of the situation but argued that not every accident should result in a criminal prosecution. Tilem stated that the charge against his client reflects reckless behavior or driving under the influence and suggested that the case be moved to family court. The defense lawyer emphasized that there are no winners in this tragic situation.
The teenager, who was charged as an adolescent offender, was arraigned in Westchester County Court. He also sustained injuries during the collision. Bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond, with the next court appearance scheduled for December 15. It has been revealed that the driver only possessed a learner’s permit at the time of the collision, which restricts driving hours to between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with a supervisor aged 21 or older. It remains unclear if there was a supervisor present in the vehicle.
Detective Sgt. Gualdino, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, had pursued his dream of becoming a police officer after attending high school in the city and Westchester Community College. He served four years in the New York Police Department’s Transit Bureau before joining the Yonkers Police Department in 1998. Throughout his 24-year career, Gualdino made valuable contributions to the community and formed deep connections with his colleagues.
Described as a loving family man, Gualdino’s dedication to his career, city, and loved ones was unparalleled. He was particularly supportive of his daughter’s college football team, the Holy Cross Crusaders. The Yonkers Police Department posthumously promoted him to detective sergeant.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The loss of Detective Sgt. Gualdino has left a void in the Yonkers community, and his memory will be cherished by all those who knew him.
