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Pro boxer Alex “El Toro” Vargas, a Suffolk County police officer, was arrested early Sunday after allegedly driving drunk and seriously injuring a pedestrian while off-duty in Huntington, police said.
Vargas, 30, of Babylon, struck Jorge Alfaro, 28, of Huntington Station, just after 2:30 a.m. while driving a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on New York Avenue at Carver Street, Suffolk police said.
Alfaro was transported to Huntington Hospital with serious injuries.
Vargas, who is assigned to the department’s Second Precinct, was charged with driving while intoxicated. He was suspended without pay following the crash.
A former standout amateur and professional boxer, Vargas graduated from the Suffolk County Police Academy in 2022. Known locally as “El Toro,” he held an undefeated pro record (12-0) before shifting his focus to a career in law enforcement.
Vargas, formerly of Bellport, has won an additional two fights since becoming an officer, last fighting in October 2023, when he earned the WBA Continental USA Super Lightweight title.
Vargas has boxed for much of his life, taking part in his first organized match at 8 years old and winning the New York Daily News Golden Gloves at the Barclays Center at 17. He turned pro in 2018.
Detectives with the Major Case Unit are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to call 631.852.6553.
Top photos: Boxer-turned-Suffolk County cop Alex Vargas was arrested for DWI after allegedly striking a pedestrian in Huntington, police said. The victim was seriously injured (GLI file photos).
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