Off-Duty Stamford Cop Charged in Crash Injuring Uber Driver

Molchanov's vehicle was traveling 73 mph in a 45 mph zone, police say.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:19pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed collision.A recent wave of high-speed crashes involving off-duty police officers has exposed the dangers of reckless driving and the need for greater accountability.Norwalk Today

A 24-year-old off-duty Stamford police officer, Volodymyr Molchanov, has been charged with reckless driving, assault, and illegally tinted auto glass after a crash that left an Uber driver with serious injuries. The crash occurred in October 2025 on Long Ridge Road/Route 104 in Stamford.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about accountability for on-duty and off-duty police officers involved in serious motor vehicle incidents, as well as the role of vehicle speed and equipment violations in causing collisions.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Molchanov's 2016 VW Touareg was traveling 73 mph with the service brakes deactivated just before the crash, well above the 45 mph speed limit. The Uber driver, a Norwalk resident, was making a left turn when Molchanov's vehicle collided with his 2016 Nissan Rogue. The Uber driver was left unconscious and trapped in his vehicle before being extricated by firefighters and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Molchanov and his passenger, another off-duty Stamford officer, were treated for minor injuries.

  • The crash occurred on October 12, 2025 in the early morning hours.
  • Molchanov surrendered on an active warrant on April 15, 2026.

The players

Volodymyr Molchanov

A 24-year-old off-duty Stamford police officer who was driving the vehicle involved in the crash.

Uber Driver

A Norwalk resident who was driving the Nissan Rogue involved in the crash and suffered serious injuries.

Alex Lauture

An off-duty Stamford police officer who was a passenger in Molchanov's vehicle at the time of the crash.

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What they’re saying

“I'm about to get in the (other) car when I see our Uber driver make a left hand turn out of the parking lot where he dropped us off, and then boom, I just see his car basically explode into a million pieces.”

— Witness

“Additionally, while interacting with Molchanov, Officer Fisher observed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery to include the odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from his mouth.”

— Officer Corey Fisher, Stamford Police Officer

What’s next

Molchanov was able to post $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on May 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency around on-duty and off-duty police officer conduct, especially when it comes to serious motor vehicle incidents that result in injuries to civilians.