An off-duty NYPD sergeant, Sgt. Tiffany Howell, was involved in a tragic head-on collision on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester County late Thursday night. Howell, a veteran of the department with 18 years of service, was driving her 2021 Infiniti south in the northbound lanes when she struck a 2024 Toyota driven by 61-year-old Manuel Boitel. Sadly, Boitel did not survive the crash and was pronounced dead at Westchester Medical Center.
Howell, who resides in Warwick, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment. Charges have not yet been filed, but investigators are awaiting a toxicology report to determine the circumstances of the accident. As a result of the crash, Howell has been placed on modified duty by the NYPD.
Online records indicate that Howell joined the NYPD in 2008, rising through the ranks to become a sergeant in 2022. She was recently assigned to the Youth Strategies Division in July. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her excellent police work in 2014.
The fatal collision occurred at a complex intersection where the Taconic State Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, and Interstate 684 converge, making it a challenging spot for motorists. This incident is reminiscent of a tragic event from 2009 when Diane Schuler, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, drove the wrong way on the same parkway, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Toxicology reports revealed that Schuler had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and marijuana before the crash, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. The Taconic State Parkway has seen its share of devastating accidents over the years, underscoring the importance of safe and responsible driving practices on this busy roadway.
