Justice on the Horizon? Former NYPD Detective's DWI Case Poised for Gripping Trial

It’s a narrative, sadly, we’ve heard before, but one that never truly loses its sting: a person in a position of public trust, now facing the full weight of the law. And so, the legal drama surrounding Robert Grambone, a retired NYPD detective, continues to unfold on Staten Island, inching closer, it seems, to a full-blown trial for charges stemming from a harrowing DWI crash that left an elderly man seriously injured.

For once, the courthouse whispers suggest that a plea deal, often the quiet resolution in such cases, simply isn't on the table, or at least, not one agreeable to all parties. This means, in truth, we might soon see Grambone stand before a jury, facing accusations of vehicular assault, drunk driving, and even leaving the scene of an accident – weighty charges indeed.

The incident itself, you could say, casts a long shadow. It was November 22, 2023, on the Staten Island Expressway, near Victory Boulevard. Police allege Grambone, behind the wheel of his Nissan Rogue, slammed into the Honda Pilot driven by 87-year-old Michael Manley. But here's where the narrative takes a darker turn: Grambone allegedly fled the scene, leaving Manley, who suffered head injuries and fractured ribs, to cope with the aftermath. Manley, a vibrant man before the crash, now relies on a walker; his life undeniably altered.

Investigators eventually caught up with Grambone, noting telltale signs of intoxication. He was, of course, subsequently charged. Now, his defense attorney, Louis Albert, is working diligently, as any good lawyer would, navigating the complex legal waters. But the district attorney’s office, represented by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Modica, seems prepared to see this through, to ensure justice is not just discussed, but truly served.

Grambone, who retired from the force back in 2020, currently remains free on a $50,000 bond. The next crucial date on the calendar, a moment of anticipation for all involved, is January 16. It's then that the court hopes to definitively set a trial date. And honestly, for Manley, for his family, and perhaps for the community watching, the prospect of a trial isn't just about procedure; it's about accountability, a fundamental expectation when serious harm has been done, especially by those who once wore a badge.