Newly-promoted Mount Vernon detective arrested, facing charges on Long Island
Kyren Braunskill was just sworn in as a detective last week.
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A Mount Vernon detective is facing charges, accused of conspiring to share illegal weapons with alleged gang members on Long Island.
Kyren Braunskill, 34, was just sworn in as a Mount Vernon police detective last Thursday. Now, exactly one week later, Mount Vernon officials say he's been placed on suspended duty.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office arrested Braunskill on Thursday. He is one of 18 people named in a broad indictment.
The development shocked many in Mount Vernon, such as resident Nicholas Martin.
"I don't like it. I don't think it should be like that," Martin says.
According to the indictment, Braunskill is accused of offering to sell, and selling, guns to several people, including a high-ranking gang member, in Riverhead in 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors allege those firearms were later used in both fatal and non-fatal shootings.
Mount Vernon advocate Jesse Van Lew says the arrest is a disgrace.
"You're a sworn officer to protect and serve. You got family members that lost loved ones on Long Island, as well, so you have the audacity to sell guns and take the oath? Like, really, throw the book at him," Van Lew says.
Braunskill is also accused of requesting assistance to commit a shooting in Southampton in 2022.
Braunskill has been with Mount Vernon Police since December 2022. The same month, Suffolk prosecutors say he allegedly possessed a forged check and attempted grand larceny.
Mount Vernon officials say their police department is not handling this investigation.
However, Van Lew says the case raises broader concerns about the department. It was previously accused of civil rights violations by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In October, five members were suspended following a shooting inside a police prisoner transport van.
"Mount Vernon should be on notice. Like I said, the feds need to come over and take over the Mount Vernon police department," Van Lew says.
