Former NYPD Officer Gets Prison Time For Firing Shots In Ocean: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A former NYPD officer was sentenced to up to four years in prison for firing several shots into the ocean from Long Beach with a weapon that he had illegally, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced on Thursday.

David Afanador, 41, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Bogle on March 22, to a felony charge of criminal possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison, the DA's office said.

"This defendant knew he could not legally possess a firearm, but still made the decision to drink with friends on a beach and recklessly fire a loaded gun several times into the ocean," Donnelly said. "Afanador’s behavior was foolish, dangerous, and illegal. We hope that his sentence sends a message to anyone thinking about illegally discharging a weapon in Nassau County in the name of fun."

Donnelly said on March 21, 2021, Long Beach Police Department Officers responded to a call of several shots fired near Franklin Boulevard and Ocean Beach Park. When police arrived, they saw Afanador standing with three other people, holding an open can of spiked seltzer with a 9mm Beretta pistol in his holster and two loaded magazines.

Afanador was asked to show identification and gave his NYPD card, which was marked "No firearms," according to the DA's release.

Seven used 9mm shell casings were recovered from the sand around Afanador.