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A driver allegedly involved in causing chaos during a “reckless” drag-racing street takeover was taken into custody from his apartment while in handcuffs.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Thursday the arrest of 22-year-old Asil Assaidi. He faces charges of reckless endangerment and riot after participating in “dangerous, fiery driving stunts” near two gas stations in New York City on April 18.
“Far too often, these outrageous behaviors go unpunished in the criminal justice system,” remarked New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “It’s clearly time for a change.”
“I am hopeful and expectant that Asil Assaidi will face full accountability for his actions,” she added.
Asil Assaidi was seen in police custody leaving the NYPD’s 104th Precinct stationhouse in Queens on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News via Getty Images)
Asil Assaidi is pictured leaving the NYPD’s 104th Precinct stationhouse in Queens on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News via Getty Images)
Assaidi, who grinned widely as he was led out of an NYPD stationhouse on his way to court for his arraignment, did not have any prior arrests, police said. People believed to be his friends were also pictured as the suspect was captured leaving the station.
WATCH: Drag racing suspects cause chaos in NYC street takeover
The district attorney’s office said that Assaidi participated in a drag-racing street takeover involving more than 100 vehicles in Queens that triggered an NYPD investigation.
Asil Assaidi is seen leaving the NYPD’s 104th Precinct stationhouse in Queens on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News via Getty Images)
People watch as Assaidi (not pictured) leaves the NYPD’s 104th Precinct stationhouse in Queens on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News via Getty Images)
The incident was reported shortly before 2 a.m. near Eliot Avenue and 69th Street, according to the NYPD. One of the participants waved a Palestinian flag out the car window while screeching around the intersection.
When officers arrived at the scene, they activated their lights and sirens to disperse the crowd. Dozens of vehicles then fled the area.
A street takeover unfolds in Queens in New York City on April 18, 2026. (Alexander Negron via Storyful)
Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira Khan ordered Assaidi to return to court May 14. If convicted of the top charge, Assaidi faces up to seven years in prison.
Authorities allege that Assaidi was operating a blue Infiniti G37 with a dark hood panel and missing front bumper during the street racing.
Assaidi, they allege, drove the car in circles around the intersection, nearly colliding with several people standing nearby. Skid marks formed on the road surface and smoke and sparks were produced from the rear end of the car, police said.
An individual poured liquid onto the ground and ignited a ring of flames between Assaidi’s car and the crowd.
The suspect, authorities allege, repeated the reckless driving with a second driver in a silver vehicle that included a second ring of flames in front of the crowd.
NYPD officers respond to a drag racing takeover in Queens, New York City. (New York Police Department Crime Stoppers)
During the incident, a few people also allegedly jumped on the hood of an NYPD vehicle, causing damage and cracking the windshield before fleeing the scene in a black car.
No injuries were reported in connection with the drag-racing incident.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the NYPD for comment.
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