Off-Duty NYPD Officer Indicted on Hate Crime Charges After Attack on Black Tech Worker

Prosecutors have formally charged a police detective from a suburban New York community with hate crimes following a racially motivated incident involving a Black cell technician last year. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office detailed the indictment against 41-year-old John Murphy, a member of the Rockville Centre Police Department. On November 3, 2024, 48-year-old Derick Anwhere was assessing cellphone towers in his work vehicle when he stopped to complete paperwork. Prompted by a concerned neighbor, Murphy confronted Anwhere, questioning his presence. When Anwhere attempted to present his employee ID, Murphy forcibly entered his car, snatched Anwhere’s laptop, and hurled racial slurs. The encounter escalated when Murphy damaged Anwhere’s vehicle and assaulted it further as Anwhere fled, ultimately prompting a 911 call. The arrest occurred on November 13, and Murphy faces multiple charges. “The victim was simply fulfilling his duties,” stated Suffolk County DA Raymond A. Tierney. “This behavior, especially from an officer, is intolerable.”