OUT FOR COP
dreamed of joining the NYPD — was killed by a single gunshot to the midsection from the 14-year veteran.
The entire confrontation, from the moments cops spotted the erratic driver until the shooting, lasted about 60 seconds, the report said.
DeFerrari, through her boyfriend, declined to comment on the report when a reporter went to her Queens apartment. Attorney Sanford Rubenstein, who represents the bartender and the Polanco family, also declined comment.
Queens DA Richard Brown, whose office is investigating the case, also declined comment. But he said earlier this week that he expected a grand jury would de- termine if Hamdy would face criminal charges.
The night began with DeFerrari serving Polanco “3-4 glasses of Hennessey” cognac inside the Astoria bar before its 4 a.m. closing, the report stated.
Polanco then offered DeFerrari and off-duty Police Officer Vanessa Rodriguez a ride home after the late night out.
The two women, who were about to call a cab and split the fare, took him up on the offer, the report said.
But DeFerrari quickly realized she had made a mistake, and told cops that she became scared when Polanco began speeding and switching lanes in the early morning darkness.
The officers in the unmarked police van noticed the wildy veering car too, and Polanco’s vehicle then cut in between the van and another police vehicle.
Van driver Sgt. Thomas Glaudino flipped on the emergency lights and siren, pulled alongside Polanco and raised his middle finger, DeFerrari said.
“Motherf-----, you cut me off!” he shouted as Polanco accelerated. Glaudino claimed he was motioning with his index finger for the suspect to pull over.
DeFerrari told cops that she asked Polanco to follow the directions, but he resisted, telling her, “I’m only going 50 miles.” He then hit the gas, speeding up to about 60 to 70 mph, she said.
“I’m nervous,” she told him. “Dude, stop the car. Stop the car. I’m scared.”
After the blue van forced Polanco to stop on the left side of the highway, the cops came pouring out, she said. The gunshot fired by Hamdy happened in a heartbeat, DeFerrari said.
The bartender said she “heard a ‘gasp’ from Mr. Polanco,” according to the report.
DeFerrari, speaking with The News after the shooting, said the killing was a case of “road rage.”
Glaudino, after climbing out of the driver’s seat, said he only made it as far as the van’s rear tires before hearing a gunshot. The bullet smashed through the vent window on the passenger’s side.
The sergeant quickly ascertained none of his men were in- jured before Hamdy declared, “I shot him.” None of the nine officers on the scene saw the detective fire his weapon, the report said.
DeFerrari told police that “only a couple of seconds elapsed” from the time police left their vehicle until Polanco was mortally wounded.
In the hectic aftermath of the shooting, cops handcuffed the mortally wounded driver’s hands behind his back. Detective Juan Maldonado said he believed that Polanco had fired the lone gunshot.
Once Polanco was uncuffed, his breath was boozy and he began fighting with Maldonado, the report said.
“I can take care of myself!” police say he shouted. “Let me go! I can sit up!”