Off-Duty NYPD Detective Charged Menacing Teens With Gun Westchester

John O’Connell, a 36-year-old off-duty NYPD detective from Patterson, New York, has been charged with menacing, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly brandishing a loaded Glock 19 pistol at three 16-year-olds during a road rage incident on Route 6 in Somers. The incident occurred when O’Connell was forced to brake behind the teens' car, which had stopped abruptly due to changing traffic patterns; he then pulled up alongside them, yelled "I have a gun," pointed the firearm at the driver, and pursued them aggressively until they were able to escape and contact authorities. Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace condemned O’Connell’s actions as turning "a traffic grievance into a lethal threat" and praised the teenagers for their composure in a dangerous situation. O’Connell pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and has been temporarily suspended from the NYPD, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 8. Temporary orders of protection have been granted for all three teenagers involved. No public statement has been released by O’Connell’s attorney.