Rockville Centre police detective arrested for hate crime

Rockville Centre police detective John Murphy has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly lashing out at a cellphone technician, damaging his car while using racial slurs. 

Murphy, 40, of Manorville, was arrested by Suffolk County police following an incident on November 3 at the corner of Sylvan Court and Weeks Avenue. Police said that the subcontractor was in a GMC Terrain at the corner of Sylvan Court and Weeks Avenue when he was approached by Murphy, who identified himself as a law enforcement officer. According to authorities, he then began questioning the subcontractor about what he was doing in the area, and refused to look at the worker’s credentials. Police said he then kicked the GMC, causing damage, and ripped off the light affixed to the top of the vehicle and threw it at the worker while using a racial slur. 

Julie Grilli, a spokesperson for the Village of Rockville Centre and Police Department, said “The village does not comment on personnel matters.” 

It is unclear if Murphy was on duty at the time of the incident. 

"The victim here was just trying to do his job, when the defendant allegedly harassed him and damaged his vehicle," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in an official statement. "To make matters worse, the defendant is a sworn law enforcement officer, responsible for protecting the rights of citizens, rather than violating them, as is alleged here. I thank the Suffolk County Police DepartmentHate Crimes Unit for taking this crime seriously and following the evidence no matter where it led. Such conduct will not be tolerated in Suffolk County."

Murphy has been charged with two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime and aggravated harassment. He was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on November 13. 

Criminal charges are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.