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Detective Charles Cato, a 17-year veteran of the NYPD, tragically lost his life early Friday morning in a car crash while driving home on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Orange County. The accident occurred near Exit 19, close to Bear Mountain State Park, at approximately 6:30 a.m., according to officials and police sources.
Cato’s vehicle reportedly veered onto the left shoulder of the exit ramp, collided with a tree, and burst into flames upon impact. Emergency responders found the detective gravely injured and transported him to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. He was pronounced dead at 6:55 a.m.
Detective Cato, who had been with the NYPD since July 2007, was highly respected for his dedication and bravery. Promoted to detective 3rd grade in 2017, he had been working with the Force Investigation Division since 2019, a specialized unit tasked with investigating police-involved shootings.
“Detective Cato had been tirelessly working investigating shootings. He was brave and relentless. The public and the rest of the greatest detectives in the world will miss him,” said Scott Munro, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association.
The New York State Police have launched an investigation into the crash. However, spokeswoman Jennifer Alvarez declined to provide additional details at this time.
The passing of Detective Cato marks a significant loss for the NYPD and the communities he served. His dedication and service leave behind a legacy of courage and commitment.
