Motorcyclist Killed In Crash Was Off-Duty Police Officer: Officials

EASTPORT, NY — A Westbury man killed in an Eastport motorcycle crash early Monday was an off-duty police officer, officials said.

Michael Lerner, 39, a member of the Rockville Centre Police Department, was killed in the crash, the Village of Rockville Centre said in a Facebook post.

Lerner joined the force in 2021.

According to Southampton Town police, the crash took place at 3:26 a.m. Monday; Lerner, 39, was driving a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveling west on Old Country Road, west of Tuttle Avenue in Eastport, when he lost control of his vehicle, police said.

He drove off the roadway, hitting a heavily wooded area, and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Criminality is not suspected; the motorcycle was impounded for a safety check, police said.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to call Southampton Town Police detectives at 631-702-2230.

Lerner served two combat tours in Iraq for the U.S. Marines. His first stint in law enforcement came in the NYPD where Lerner was a police officer followed by a sergeant, the village said.

"Despite his brief tenure, Officer Lerner made a tremendous impact on both the RVCPD and the Rockville Centre community," the village said. "His commitment and passion were evident in everything he did, leaving an everlasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Lerner is survived by his ex-wife, three children, and two stepchildren.

Flags in the Village of Rockville Centre will be flown at half-staff in his honor.