Modified NYPD duty for son of PBA president, officials say

The police officer son of Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association president Patrick Lynch has been placed on modified duty with the NYPD after he was involved in an off-duty incident in which another cop accidentally fired a handgun, officials said.

Kevin Lynch, 23, had his gun and badge pulled after being present when a fellow officer, identified as Robert Smilove, accidentally discharged a handgun in a vehicle, according to officials. The NYPD suspended Smilove after the incident, according to the officials.

Lynch and Smilove allegedly failed to properly report the accidental discharge of Smilove’s handgun as they should have been done under NYPD protocol.

According to the department’s Patrol Guide, officers are supposed to report the discharge of a weapon to the proper patrol supervisor and safeguard the scene where the incident took place, whether it took place on or off duty. Lynch and Smilove reportedly fled their vehicle after the gun discharged. Violation of the Patrol Guide provisions could lead to disciplinary action.

Lynch and Smilove are assigned to the 113th Precinct which covers the South Ozone Park area of Queens. Lynch became a cop in 2014. Smilove reportedly is still on probationary status as an officer with less than 18 months service.

Patrick Lynch didn’t respond Wednesday to an email request for comment about the incident.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.