Teenager who killed New York police sergeant in crash sentenced to probation and community service

YONKERS, NY — The teenager driving without a license, responsible for the accident which cost the life of a New York police officer in 2022, was sentenced to probation and community service.

The teen was driving a sports car and speeding when he struck Yonkers police Sgt. Frank Gualdino's cruiser on Tuckahoe Road December 1, 2022.

The teenager was sentenced as a juvenile New York's Raising Age Law Thursday to two years of probation with a 6 p.m. curfew and 480 hours of community service.

“We are a different family now thanks to him”

“It was the first time he saw us as a family, and we're a different family now because of him,” said Lisa Gualdino, the sergeant's widow. “I want him to get the punishment. Unfortunately, it's not enough punishment. It never could be.”

In court, Gualdino shared her family's pain and told the teen, “You can't understand how broken we are. You stole our lives from all of us.”

Gualdino urged the teenager to make the most of this second chance. “Live a meaningful life. In honor of Frank, make a contribution to society,” she said.

“A strength that very few possess”

It was an act of grace that touched everyone in court.

“For her to be able to do that, it takes a strength that very few people have, and she has it. And I don't know where she gets it from,” said Dennis Mullin, an officer at the retreat from Yonkers.

“Frank led such a meaningful and purposeful life. So if he could find a way to do that, to do something of some meaning, of some importance, that would mean a lot to me and my children,” said Gualdino at CBS New York. .

The teenager spoke briefly in court, but Judge Wayne Humphrey found his words insufficient and ordered him to write a letter of apology.