as he remains free on a $1 million bail

The retired NYPD detective accused of killing a 46-year-old married father of two in a suspected case of road rage on the George Washington Bridge earlier this week was ordered held on $1 million bail Thursday at his manslaughter arraignment, where his attorney painted him as a hero cop and family man.

Victor Romero, a 62-year-old who retired from his NYPD job 25 years ago, is accused of firing a single deadly shot at Koran Irvine after the two drivers were involved in a near-collision on an entrance ramp to the bridge on Tuesday night.

Immediately after the near-accident, prosecutors allege in a criminal complaint that Romero started to tailgate Irvine's car, following him closely, and at times, aggressively. At one point, he allegedly pulled up right next to Irvine's car and fired a gun, as the cars were next to each other and moving with the flow of traffic, they say.

Surveillance video establishes that moment, according to the complaint. It also places Romero, allegedly, as the only person in the vehicle.

Right after the shooting, prosecutors allege Romero sped past the side of the victim's car and onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway as he headed in the direction of home.

The bullet hit Irvine in his right shoulder. He crashed and was found dead in his car.

Prosecutors say detectives found a revolver registered to Romero. Experts are testing it to confirm if it's the same weapon used in the shooting. They say investigators found another two handguns in Romero's home.

The complaint charges Romero with first-degree manslaughter. The NYPD had initially filed a murder charge.

Romero's attorney called the shooting a "tragedy," acknowledging the presence of the victim's family at Thursday's hearing as he described this as "a very difficult situation" for his client. He said his client is also a family man -- a married dad with four kids who has worked steadily in security since leaving the NYPD.

Former NYPD detective, 62-year-old Victor Romero is facing charges for the murder of Koran Irvine, a father of two from Valley Cottage. Melissa Colorado reports for NBC4.

"His employer stands behind him. This man is not going anywhere," the attorney said.

He said his client had voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Law enforcement sources say the NYPD tracked him down. Romero's attorney said he didn't have a chance to speak with the district attorney to discuss the circumstances of the arrest. What happened remained unclear Thursday afternoon.

Irvine's family, meanwhile, is expected to address the media Thursday afternoon.

Irvine, a Con Ed worker, wasn't on the job at the time of the shooting, the utility said.

A spokesperson issued a statement offering condolences over this "senseless act of violence."

Neighbors also described Irvine as a helper.

"We moved into the neighborhood; I remember when we first came, he would help us out. They had chickens in the back," neighbor Hope Dorceoly said. "He brought us chicken eggs to welcome us in. He was just a really nice guy; we're in shock, and we are devastated for the family."