A retired NYPD cop got into a car accident Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan — and reacted by pulling a gun on and choking the other driver, authorities and police sources said.

Former cop Ming Yee Li, 61, traded paint with a 38-year-old motorist near the corner of East 42nd Street and First Avenue just before 7:15 a.m., according to police.

An enraged Li hopped out of his 2011 Subaru, stormed over to the other driver’s window, and allegedly pointed a gun at the victim, according to cops.

Li then grabbed the victim by the neck, leaving him gasping for air, authorities allege.

The victim managed to call 911, and cops arrested Li about an hour later on charges of strangulation, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.

Li was released on his own recognizance during his Wednesday arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court, public records show.

Police sources said that Li was a retired NYPD officer, but the department couldn’t immediately confirm his one-time employment.