A driver, reportedly involved in disruptive drag racing and a street hijacking, was taken out of his apartment in handcuffs. The incident reportedly occurred during a chaotic event in Queens.
On Thursday, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz revealed the arrest of 22-year-old Ashir Asaidi, who faces charges of reckless endangerment and rioting. This follows a series of alarming driving stunts near two gas stations in New York City on April 18.
“It’s often the case that the justice system fails to hold individuals accountable for such outrageous behavior,” stated NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She expressed a desire for real change in how similar cases are handled.
“I hope Mr. Asaidi acknowledges the consequences of his actions,” she added.
The police reported that Asaidi, who was seen smiling while being led to his arraignment, has no prior arrest record. His departure from the NYPD precinct was captured on film, along with images of his companions.
The District Attorney’s office indicated that Asaidi took part in a drag racing street takeover involving over 100 vehicles, prompting an investigation by the NYPD.
The chaotic scene was noted to have begun just before 2 a.m. at the corner of Elliott Street and 69th Street, where one participant even waved a Palestinian flag from his car as he sped by.
Upon officers arriving at the scene, they turned on lights and sirens to disperse the crowd, leading many vehicles to flee the area.
Judge Indira Khan set Asaidi’s next court date for May 14. If he’s found guilty of the most severe charge, he could be facing up to seven years behind bars.
Authorities claim that Asaidi drove a blue Infiniti G37, noted for having a dark hood and a missing front bumper. It’s reported that he drove erratically, forming skid marks on the road and causing smoke and sparks to fly from the car.
An individual is said to have poured a flammable liquid on the ground that ignited into a ring of fire between Asaidi’s vehicle and the gathering crowd.
Authorities also allege that both Asaidi and another driver in a silver car recklessly drove their vehicles, repeatedly causing flammable rings to erupt in front of onlookers. Some participants even jumped atop Asaidi’s car during the commotion, while a vehicle that caused relevant damage fled the scene.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported related to this reckless drag racing event.
