A New York City police officer from East Northport was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while directing traffic in Queens, the NYPD said.
Officer Anastasios Tsakos 43, was directing traffic traffic related to another fatal accident when he was struck by a car driven by Jessica Beauvais, 32, of Hempstead, who, police said, then sped off. She was later arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter and driving on a suspended license.
Tsakos, the father of two young children, had been a member of the department for 14 years. He had been directing traffic a previous fatal on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. He died at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Updated: In Huntington, Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci directed that all flags on Town of Huntington properties be flown at half-staff to honor the officer. “Officer Tsaskos was taken from his family and our community far too soon, making the ultimate sacrifice while answering the call of duty. May Officer Tsakos’ death serve to remind us of both the risk all law enforcement officers make to keep our communities safe and to never drink and drive.”
“Officer Tsaskos was taken from his family and our community far too soon, making the ultimate sacrifice while answering the call of duty,” said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci. “May Officer Tsakos’ death serve to remind us of both the risk all law enforcement officers make to keep our communities safe and to never drink and drive.”
The NPYD said, “Police Officer Anastasios Tsakos loved his family and the city he was dedicated to protecting for the past 14 years. As the NYPD and NYC mourn this tragic loss, we make a solemn vow to #NeverForget Anastasios.”
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said, “we stand here devastated by what is a shattered home and a shattered NYPD family.” He was killed in “A senseless, completely avoidable chain of events.”
“The entire NYPD hurts tonight as we reconcile the loss of our brother. A loss not only for our NYPD family, but all of NYC,” She said.
Tsakos was diverting traffic off the Long Island Expressway when he was hit by an eastbound 2013 VW which swerved to avoid him and then struck him as he stood next to his vehicle, police said.
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