Community Corner
NYPD Cop Accused Of Shooting 'Friend' Released On Bond: Reports
Chris Curro, 25, was fatally shot in Farmingdale earlier this month. The man accused of shooting him is out on bond, according to reports.
FARMINGDALE, NY — The New York Police Department officer accused of shooting Chris Curro, 25, to death in Farmingdale is out of jail on a $500,000 bond, according to reports.
The officer, Errick Allen, was released a week after a judge ordered him to be held without bail after he was accused of killing Curro, a friend of his, on the night of May 12, News 12 Long Island reported. Allen used a gun issued by the NYPD while off-duty and fired six shots at Curro, with five of them hitting, prosecutors said, News 12 reported.
Allen's bond was set by Acting Supreme Court Justice Robert A. Schwartz Tuesday after Anthony LaPinta, the officer's defense attorney, argued Allen acted in self-defense when he shot Curro, Newsday reported. Allen's 10 percent surety bond, or $50,000, was posted Wednesday and Allen was released from jail roughly 6 p.m., LaPinta said, according to Newsday.
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The officer pleaded not guilty last week after he was charged with second-degree murder, Newsday reported.
Allen is accused of firing at Curro five times, including once at "extremely close range," Prosecutor Joshua Gradinger said, Newsday reported. The officer didn't help or call 911 but instead left to tell his stepfather what happened, returning 30 minutes later and confessing to the shooting, Gradinger said. Allen, LaPinta said, told officers the night of the shooting that Curro banged his head on the ground, according to Newsday. The defense attorney also cited 40 photos taken by Nassau police showing the injuries Allen suffered on May 12.
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Curro's family was infuriated to hear of Allen's bond release, NY Daily News reported.
"He’s a coward," Robert Curro, Christopher's father, told the NY Daily News of Allen. "This is not a cop. He’s supposed to be one of The Finest? ... I’m shocked. I’m still hurting."
Curro's mother told reporters her son and Allen were "best friends," News 12 reported.
"The police officer asked if he had any other friends, and the answer was no, Errick was his best friend," she said according to News 12.
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