ROCCO PARASCANDOLA
Newsday
NEW YORK — An off-duty police officer driving his motorcycle not far from the upper Manhattan home he shared with his pregnant girlfriend was struck and killed by a drunken driver early Monday, police said.
The driver, in a minivan, crossed over the double yellow lines on Broadway and plowed head-on into Officer Alexander Felix’s Yamaha. The force of the crash sent Felix into the air, with his helmet flying off his head, police and witnesses said.
Felix landed on the hood of a livery car, a witness said. The well-regarded officer, who was only four blocks from his home in the Inwood section, was declared dead at the scene at about 1:15 a.m.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. “A fine young man. Another tragedy associated with driving while drinking.”
Kevin Casado, 32, of Harlem, was arrested at the scene and was being treated at Harlem Hospital Center for his injuries, police said. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
Neighborhood residents described the intersection where the crash occurred -- Broadway at Dongan Place -- as dangerous, because at that point Broadway begins a long eastward curve.
Casado was driving north on Broadway when he lost control of his Mercury Villager and struck Felix as he was heading south on Broadway.
Casado’s crying sister apologized on his family’s behalf.
“I know he didn’t want to do that,” Margie Casado, 28, said of her brother. “What happened wasn’t intentional. We’re so sorry for the loss. ... There’s no way to bring him back.”
Felix’s family, overwhelmed by grief, lamented the life of a man who more and more represents the face of the NYPD -- born in the Dominican Republic, living in the city.
Felix was an auxiliary cop for eight years and was promoted to lieutenant before stepping up to the big time, entering the Police Academy in 2004. He was assigned to the 30th Precinct.
Just two weeks ago, his girlfriend, Wendy, had a baby shower in anticipation of the birth of their daughter. Felix was head over heels with joy and had been preparing the baby’s nursery, relatives and friends said.
Monday, in perhaps the most heart-wrenching moment in a day of grief, Felix’s father, Andres Rudy Felix, 48, stepped out of the Cummings Street home where the officer lived.
“He is a police officer,” the father said, speaking as if his son was alive. “I’m going to the hospital to talk to my son. If he says he wants to die, that is his wish.”
He also said though his son was a grown man, he wouldn’t think twice of kissing his father, even while in uniform, “like any good son.”
“The way I raised my son is to be a beautiful human being,” the father said.
By midday, the scene of the crash had become a gathering place for Felix’s grieving friends and colleagues.
“He was dedicated to his job,” said Officer Apo Alba, 30. “He was excited about being a dad. He loved serving the community. I still can’t believe it.”
Matthew Nestel contributed to this story.
Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.