NYPD cop struck, left paralyzed by fleeing driver among those honored at ‘Blue Lives Matter’ gala
A member of New York’s Finest who was left paralyzed after being struck by a fleeing driver was among those recognized at a weekend gala meant to honor law enforcement heroes.
Det. Dalsh Veve – who was dragged for three blocks through East New York while clinging to a stolen car in June 2017 – was honored during the Saturday night Blue Lives Matter NYC Archangel Gala.
His wife, Esther Veve, addressed the attendees at the seventh annual event, held at Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island.
“A lot of people talk about how strong Esther Veve is,” NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island, told The Post. “I know it’s not strength. It’s hope and faith that keeps her going. She’s never lost faith.”
As a result of the tragic incident, Veve suffered a severe brain injury and was left confined to a wheelchair.
The reputed gang member behind the wheel, Justin Murrell, avoided the maximum possible penalty of 10 years when sentenced in January 2019 and served just 14 months before going out on parole.
Veve was also honored in 2022 with the department’s Medal of Honor, one of the department’s highest honors – and received a standing ovation as his wife and daughter looked on.
Seventeen families of NYPD cops who lost their lives in the line of duty were also honored Saturday.
Former Chicago Police Officer Carlos Yanez, who was critically wounded in an August 2021 shooting during a traffic stop on the South Side, was also commended at the event.
Yanez suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the eye, brain and shoulder during the shooting that killed his partner, Ella French.
The suspect in that shooting, Emonte Morgan, 23, of Chicago, was found guilty earlier this month.
Michael Martinez, a disabled Texas boy who was thrown from his wheelchair by a school bully when he dressed up as a cop for career day, was also among the honorees decked out in blue.
Just last year, he was escorted around the Big Apple, with stops ranging from meeting Mayor Eric Adams and Cardinal Timothy Dolan to grabbing a slice of pizza and attending roll call at an NYPD station house on Staten Island.
