Off-Duty NYPD Detective Tragically Dies in Parkway Crash

Detective Charles Cato, a 17-year NYPD veteran, died early Friday in a fiery car crash on the Palisades Interstate Parkway near Exit 19 in Orange County.

Driving home, Cato’s vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and burst into flames around 6:30 AM. He was rushed to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Cato, known for his relentless work investigating shootings, had served with the Force Investigation Division since 2019. The NY State Police are investigating the incident.

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