Robert Ferraro: Connecticut cop likely to serve 2 years for Las Vegas DUI crash killing fellow officer

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Robert Ferraro, a Connecticut police officer, has been sentenced to at least two years in prison for a DUI crash in Las Vegas that claimed the life of fellow officer Joshua Castellano.

Clark County District Court Judge Susan Johnson handed down the sentence on January 9, after Ferraro pleaded guilty to the charge of DUI resulting in death on June 21, 2023.

What led to the tragic crash?

The incident occurred on September 17, 2021, when Las Vegas police responded to a two-vehicle crash on W. Spring Mountain Rd. at S. Decatur Blvd. around 4 a.m. A Rolls-Royce, driven by Ferraro, lost control, crossed over Decatur, and collided with a Ford Mustang, ultimately striking a utility pole, palm trees, a light pole, and a fire hydrant before rolling onto its roof.

Ferraro exhibited signs of intoxication at the scene, with "watery eyes and a strong odor of unknown alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath and person," as per the arresting officer, Fox reported. He refused a field sobriety test, leading to his arrest and subsequent blood draw under a search warrant.

Impact of Robert Ferraro's DUI crash on victims

Tragically, the front right passenger in Ferraro's vehicle was ejected and later succumbed to injuries. The Mustang's sole occupant suffered minor injuries, while the Rolls-Royce's other four occupants were treated for minor injuries. The investigation revealed that none of the vehicle's occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Subsequently, law enforcement obtained additional surveillance footage from nearby establishments, capturing the moment when the Rolls-Royce collided with the Mustang before the latter vehicle reached the roadway. The Rolls-Royce, according to reports, became airborne at the center of the intersection, subsequently landing and continuing its spinning motion.

The victim, Joshua Castellano, was a seven-year veteran of the nearby Branford Police Department, as noted in an obituary. The sentencing on January 9 saw Ferraro receive a two-to-five-year prison term.

Originally facing charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving, the latter charge was dropped as part of his plea agreement. Ferraro had resigned from the New Haven Police Department the previous year, according to Chief Karl Jacobson.