June 29, 2025 QUEENS, N.Y. – An off-duty NYPD officer was arrested Friday night in Queens, facing charges of driving while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of a crash that caused property damage. This incident marks another challenging moment for the department as it grapples with internal accountability.

Officer Latifah Fitzalbert, 28, assigned to the 116th Precinct, was taken into custody on a litany of charges, including:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage
• Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
• Refusal to Take a Breath Test

Details surrounding the precise time and location of the alleged crash have not yet been released by authorities. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The NYPD confirmed that Fitzalbert was not on duty at the time of her arrest. She has been processed according to standard protocols for officers facing criminal charges. The department stated that the matter is now under internal review, a process that will likely determine her future with the force.

This arrest comes as law enforcement agencies across the country face increased scrutiny regarding officer conduct both on and off duty. While the full scope of this incident is still unfolding, it underscores the constant challenges of maintaining public trust and upholding the highest standards within the police force.

NYPD Patrol Car (Stock Photo)