There are many ways to sabotage a vehicle. You might choose to rig the car with explosives. Or perhaps you might remove the catalytic converter. Some sabateurs simply siphon out the gasoline or rupture the fuel line – leaving the car completely inoperable. While these acts of sabotage are commonly depicted in various Hollywood movies, it’s important to understand that they are completely illegal in New York City. And if you make the mistake of sabotaging a New York Police Department vehicle, the penalties for these crimes can be especially serious. So what happens if you are caught sabotaging a police car in New York?
An Example of Vehicle Sabotage in New York
To give you a sense of what might happen if you sabotage an NYPD vehicle, let’s examine a recent example:
On October 5th of 2022, it was reported that a New York City resident had been sentenced to 18 months in prison for cutting the brake line of a New York City Police Department van. The invididual crawled underneath the van in July of 2020 before partially severing the line responsible for the van’s anti-lock braking system. Although the defendant failed to identify and cut the main brake line, this still constitutes a serious crime. The authorities argued that this action could have easily put people’s lives at risk. The concern was that the driver of the vehicle could have lost control before killing or seriously injuring anyone in its path.
The defendant in this situation made things even worse for himself with a number of ill-advised decisions. Firstly, it seems as though he tried to rationalize this sabotage as a form of political protest. NYPD Commissioner Sewell stated:
“Any attempt to rationalize these actions as a protest against the government or law enforcement is the height of hypocrisy.”
This quote suggests that the defendant attempted to spin this as a form of civil disobedience protected under the constitution. However, he only succeeded in making the authorities even more outraged.
In addition, it seems as though this individual was committing Covid fraud just weeks before he sabotaged the vehicle. He submitted a fraudulent EIDL loan and grant application, which resulted in more than $50,000 worth of funds being transferred to his bank account. As a result of this second offense, the defendant was sentenced to a further 18 months in prison.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Defense Attorney in New York?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in New York, look no further than the Law Offices of Gregg A. Pinto. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants in New York City, including those who have been victimized by police brutality and other misconduct carried out by the NYPD. We can help you stand up for your rights as an American, including your freedom from unlawful arrest. Book your consutlation today to get started with a solid defense strategy.
The Law Offices of Gregg A. Pinto
225 Broadway 3rd floor
New York, NY 10007
646-328-2434
If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns call 800-672-3103
