Mayor de Blasio, others mourn death of Indian-American police officer in car crash

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Just hours after his death in a car crash on his way to work early morning of May 1, Vincent Persaud was remembered by the NYC Police Benevolent Association with these words, “Our hearts are heavy with passing of our brother P.O. Vincent Persaud this morning in an off-duty vehicle collision. Please keep his family, friends and NYPD 101st Precinct brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers.”

Persaud, 31, originally from Guyana, was traveling westbound on Peninsula Blvd. near the intersetion of Hempstead Ave. early morning when he and another driver crashed, Newsday reported quoting a police spokesperson.

“Today we mourn a young man who devoted himself to protecting the people of our city,” tweeted Mayor Bill de Blasio, “Join me in keeping the family of Vincent Persaud in your prayers.”

The 101st Precinct to which Persaud belonged, said, “Words cannot express how sad we are today. With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Police Officer Vincent Persaud. He was a good cop, who was dedicated to serving NYC. Our heartfelt condolences, prayers & full support are with his family. Rest in Peace Brother.”

The car being driven by the Indian-American officer spiraled out of control and slammed into a tree, and Persaud was unable to survive the head trauma he experienced, dying less than three hours after he was taken to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital.

The other driver was not severely injured. The accident is under investigation.

A fellow-Guyanese, Ramnarain Tara, responding to the Benevolent Assocation, called it “Heartbreaking” and numerous others responded with emojis expressing their thoughts and prayers for Persaud.

Persaud leaves behind his pregnant wife, and parents, according to the GoFundMe page created to raise funds (https://ca.gofundme.com/police-officer-vincent-persaud). As of this writing, it had raised $26,615 of the total goal of $40,000, to meet the expenses of his funeral, which took place May 5.

“Your donations will go directly to the Persaud family. The members of the NYPD Desi Society, the 101 Precinct, and members of the NYPD thank you for your support,” says the GoFundMe page set up by an entity calling itself NYPD Desi Society.