Rockville Centre police officer killed in off-duty motorcycle accident

Michael Lerner joined the department in 2021.

June 13, 2024, 10:58 a.m. EDT

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — The Rockville Centre community is mourning the death of a police officer.

Michael Lerner, a member of the Rockville Centre police, was killed in an off-duty motorcycle accident, the municipality said in a Facebook post.

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Lerner, 39, joined the police force in 2021.

According to several reports, Lerner was driving in Southampton on Monday night when he drove off the road and into a wooded area. He died at the scene of the accident.

No criminal involvement was suspected in the accident. His motorcycle was impounded for a safety inspection, Newsday reported.

Lerner served two combat tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marines. His first job in law enforcement came with the NYPD, where Lerner was a police officer and later a sergeant.

“Despite his short tenure, Officer Lerner had a tremendous impact on both the RVCPD and the Rockville Centre community,” the village said. “His dedication and passion were evident in everything he did and left a lasting mark on all who were privileged to know him.”

Lerner leaves behind his ex-wife, three children and two stepchildren.

In his honor, flags in the Village of Rockville Centre will fly at half-mast.