NYPD officer solicited woman for sex in car — then pointed gun at her when she refused: DA

An NYPD officer was busted this week for allegedly soliciting a woman for sex – and then pointing a gun at her inside his car when she refused to service him, prosecutors said. 

Joel Perez Leonardo, 25 – who joined the department last year – allegedly requested that the woman perform oral sex on him inside his car in exchange for $60 around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday at Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue in Hunts Point, according to a complaint filed in Bronx Criminal Court. 

When the woman refused to continue Leonardo’s request, he allegedly lost his temper, grabbed a gun and pointed it at her, sneering, “Get the f–k out of my car,” the court doc said. 

NYPD Officer Joel Perez Leonardo, 25, was charged with menacing, driving while intoxicated, patronizing a person for prostitution and harassment, prosecutors said. Getty Images

Responding officers found Perez Leonardo – who was off-duty at the time – behind the steering wheel of his black 2019 Mazda CX-5, with the engine running and headlights illuminated, according to prosecutors. 

His eyes were bloodshot and watery and his face was pale, the complaint said. 

Police asked him to undergo a breathalyzer test, but he allegedly refused.

Perez Leonardo admitted, “I was at the bar. I had a few drinks,” according to the complaint. 


Close-up of a parked New York City Police Department patrol car displaying its "Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect" slogan.
Leonardo’s driver’s license and gun license were both suspended, and he was suspended without pay from the department. Getty Images

He was arrested and charged with menacing, driving while intoxicated, patronizing a person for prostitution and harassment, prosecutors said. 

Leonardo was granted supervised release during his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court Thursday, and a full order of protection was issued.

His driver’s license and gun license were both suspended, according to the DA’s office. 

Leonardo, who was assigned to Harlem’s 28th Precinct, was also suspended without pay from the NYPD, according to the department. 

He is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7.

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