ASTORIA — Friends of the Army National Guardman shot and killed by an NYPD detective held a vigil in Queens Sunday night to help raise money for his grieving family.
Loved ones of Noel Polanco, who was gunned down last week after his car was pulled over on the Grand Central Parkway, gathered in the rain in front of Ice Lounge, where a memorial of pictures and votive candles had been erected to honor the slain Army reservist.
“He was a good guy and we’re here tonight to raise money for his family, especially his mom and little sister,” said Alex Burgos, Polcanco’s friend and co-worker.
Polanco's mother, Cecilia Reyes, met with the Rev. Al Sharpton Saturday to demand justice for her son.
Det. Hassan Hamdy, who was in one of two NYPD ESU vans to pull Polanco over near LaGuardia Airport, fired a single shot into Polanco's abdomen. He has been placed on modified duty and the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and the Queens District Attorney's office are investigating the shooting.
