NYPD cop in LI 'road rage' pulls gun on driver's family, Suffolk police say

An NYPD cop from Selden faces charges after allegedly being involved in "a road rage incident" in which he broke another motorist's mirror, and hours later, went to the driver's home and pulled a gun on his family, the Suffolk County Police Department said Tuesday in disclosing the officer's arrest.

The officer, Douglas Debonet, 32, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree menacing, both misdemeanors, the department's press office wrote in response to an emailed inquiry by Newsday.

"Douglas Debonet exited his vehicle at Old Town Road and County Road 83 in Selden and broke a side view mirror on a vehicle at approximately 11:20 a.m.," the email said. "Later that day, Debonet went to the driver’s home and was involved in an altercation with the driver’s father."

Asked whether Debonet threatened anyone with a gun, the office replied by email: "He displayed a firearm."

The office said: “The incident at the home occurred at 5:24 p.m. Police were called to the scene and he was arrested.”

An email from the NYPD's press office said: "The Officer is suspended without pay."

Debonet didn't immediately return a voicemail seeking comment.

He is accused of pointing the gun, according to court papers.

Neither the Suffolk police department nor the district attorney’s office said how the officer knew where the victim and his family live.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.