Off-duty cop charged after gun threat

Joel Perez Leonardo was released without bail on Thursday after his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court. The 25-year-old New York Police Department officer is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 7.

Prosecutors allege that Leonardo, who was off duty, approached a woman near Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue in Hunts Point around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. He was sitting in his 2019 Mazda CX-5 and reportedly offered her $60 to perform oral sex on him.

The woman declined the offer. According to court documents, Leonardo then grabbed a handgun and pointed it at her. He shouted, “Get the f, - out of my car.”

A nearby officer heard the woman describe the incident. When that officer approached Leonardo, the suspect appeared intoxicated. A criminal complaint notes he had “bloodshot, watery eyes and a pale face.” Leonardo told the responding officer, “I was at the bar. I had a few drinks.” He refused a breathalyzer test.

Leonardo was charged with harassment, menacing, patronizing a person for prostitution, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Records indicate he has served as an NYPD officer since April 2025. He was most recently assigned to the 28th precinct in Central Harlem.

The NYPD confirmed Leonardo is suspended without pay. The department also suspended his driver’s license and his permit to carry a firearm.