Cop doc ‘parks’ his arrogance
‘Placard abuse’ in Theater District
A part-time NYPD surgeon and pal of ex-Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has lost his parking privileges pending a probe of possible abuse — for the second time, officials told The Post.
On Wednesday night, Dr. Richard Leinhardt left his black Mercedes sedan — with MD plates and an NYPD parking placard on the dashboard — in front of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on West 46th Street while he, his wife and another couple watched a performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
A red sign at the curb reads “NO STANDING Anytime,” which means a quick drop-off or pick-up is permitted — but no parking.
During the show, a police lieutenant in an “NYPD counterterrorism” jacket stood by Leinhardt’s car. When the show ended, the lieutenant stopped traffic so that Leinhardt could pull out, a bystander’s photos show.
NYPD parking placards are supposed to be for “official business” only.
Leinhardt told a reporter he did nothing improper because he’s available to the NYPD around the clock.
“I’m always on official business. I’m on call 24/7,” Leinhardt said, claiming an NYPD officer on duty near the theater directed him to park in the no-standing zone.
However, after The Post sent the photos to the NYPD, the agency launched an internal investigation, said Deputy Chief Timothy Trainor.
“You brought to our attention a potential abuse of his parking placard,” Trainor said. Leinhardt, 69, a plastic surgeon and ear-nose-andthroat specialist, has helped 9/11 responders with respiratory problems and done pro-bono facial reconstructive work for cops. He formerly worked for the city Correction Department.
Since joining the NYPD’s staff of 36 surgeons last year, Leinhardt can be called upon for emergencies at any time, but that doesn’t give him the right to park anywhere while off-duty, Trainor explained.
“A parking placard does not afford the department employee the right to park illegally when unnecessary,” he said.
It’s the second time Leinhardt’s alleged placard abuse has been spotlighted. In January, The Post reported complaints that he used the placard on his Mercedes-Benz while parked in front of fire hydrants on the East 57th Street block where he lives.
Trainor said the NYPD has “rescinded” Leinhardt’s parking placard pending the probe.