Murder Charge For Ex-Cop In Fatal George Washington Bridge Shooting

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — A retired New York City police detective was charged with murder Wednesday in the fatal shooting of a man on the George Washington Bridge, officials say.

Victor Romero, 62, of Haverstraw, N.Y., was charged in the death of Koran Irvine, 46, confirmed the New York City Police Department on Thursday.

According to a Port Authority spokesperson, on Tuesday night, a driver heading toward New Jersey on the bridge was shot by someone in another car. He was taken to Englewood Hospital, where he died.

The victim was later identified as Koran Irvine, 46, an off-duty Con Edison worker and a resident of Valley Cottage, N.Y.

According to a report on ABC, the victim was using a ramp onto the bridge when his Volkswagen hit another vehicle. While on the bridge, the other driver shot him in a possible "road rage" incident, ABC said.

Police responded to the crash shortly after 7 p.m.

The Port Authority spokesperson said lanes began reopening on the westbound upper level at approximately 12:10 a.m.

Victim Had 'Infectious Smile'

A fundraiser set up for the victim described Irvine as a hard-working husband and father of two who had an "infectious smile."

"Koran was a man full of life, love, and dedication to the people who meant the most to him," wrote a friend. "His family was his world, and he worked hard every day to provide for and support his wife, Patricia, and their children, Lea and Hiro. ... He had a way of bringing joy to those around him."

The fundraiser will cover the family's bills and ongoing needs, according to the fundraiser.

The effort had raised $166,000 of a $220,000 goal by Thursday morning. It can be found here.

Irvine was heading home from work at Con Edison — where he has worked for 20 years — when he was shot, reports said.

Retired Officer

The New York Times quoted a law enforcement source as saying Romero left the New York City Police Department 25 years ago.

Police told Patch on Thursday morning that so far, murder is the only charge against him.

ABC reported that Romero was driving a black SUV in connection with another job on Tuesday night. After police located the SUV outside of his home, they asked him to come to the precinct for questioning, which he did, the report says.