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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A tragic shooting at a Louisiana shopping mall has claimed the life of an innocent 17-year-old girl, leaving at least five others injured.

Martha Odom, a senior from the Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville, lost her life on Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Authorities reported that she was caught in the crossfire when two groups exchanged gunfire.

Odom was at the mall with her friends observing a ‘senior skip day,’ just weeks shy of her graduation from the school, which charges an annual tuition of $19,500.

According to police, the incident unfolded shortly after 1:20 p.m. when a disagreement quickly turned violent, leading to multiple individuals discharging their weapons.

The coroner’s office confirmed that Odom was struck in the chest by a bullet and succumbed to her injuries.

Two of her classmates were also hit and are recovering, while another victim, Donnie Guillory, remains in critical condition.

On Friday, Baton Rouge police announced the arrest of 17-year-old Markel Lee in connection with the shooting. 

Police Chief TJ Morse said Lee turned himself in and was booked on one count of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. 

Martha Odom, 17, was identified as the only fatality in a Louisiana mall shooting 

Odom planned to attend Sewanee: The University of the South, where she intended to study English and creative writing

Baton Rouge police and Sheriff deputies responded to a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Authorities have indicated that additional people may have been involved and released an image of a suspect as the investigation intensifies.

The scale of the response underscored the severity of the attack. Local police were joined by the FBI, SWAT teams, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and state troopers as the mall was locked down. 

Shoppers were escorted out in waves, some guided through back corridors and service tunnels. 

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and horror, with officers carrying children to safety and bystanders attempting to stop the bleeding of the wounded.

One mall employee told local media she initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. She said she saw victims collapse and grabbed cleaning cloths to press against wounds as blood pooled across the floor.

‘It’s not even safe to go to the mall,’ Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter said in the aftermath, capturing the shock rippling across communities.

Odom was a writer, dancer and student leader.

She was weeks away from graduation and preparing to attend Sewanee: The University of the South, where she planned to study English and creative writing.

Odom was captain of her school’s girls’ soccer team and served as editor of the student newspaper. She was killed by a gunshot wound to the chest

Law enforcement vehicles surround the Mall of Louisiana after a shooting on Thursday

On Friday, Baton Rouge police announced the arrest of 17-year-old Markel Lee in connection with the shooting

Authorities have indicated that additional suspects may have been involved and released an image of a suspect as the investigation intensifies

She captained her school’s girls’ soccer team, edited the student newspaper and taught younger dancers at her studio. 

She had already earned recognition for her writing, taking first place in the Lafayette Public Library’s 2025 Writes of Spring contest and placing again this year.

She planned to spend her final summer before college at Ballet Austin’s prestigious summer intensive.

In the wake of her death, her school community has been left reeling. 

Classmates gathered for a prayer service, leaving flowers in her parking spot.

‘Her classmates, Ascension faculty, and our Blue Gator families remember Martha as a joyful presence whose kindness and infectious enthusiasm brought light to all who knew her,’ the school said in a statement shared on social media.

Three of the victims in the shooting were seniors at the school, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet confirmed.

Odom’s writing now reads with haunting clarity. In one student newspaper piece, she reflected on journalism and the courage it demands, including the ‘grit’ required to uncover truth and the importance of resisting silence.

In another, she shared lighter observations about music, friendships and the small joys of everyday life.

During a recent spring break trip to New York City, she wrote about attending a New York Rangers game and seeing Broadway productions, including The Outsiders and Cats.

Odom was described by her school as a ‘joyful presence’ whose kindness and enthusiasm ‘brought light to all who knew her’

She was also a dancer and instructor who had planned to attend Ballet Austin’s summer intensive before starting college

Another victim identified as Donnie Guillory (right) was also injured and remains in critical condition

At least nice people were reported injured in the incident, with some requiring emergency surgery

Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas S. ‘TJ’ Morse, Jr., left, walks with Mayor-President of Baton Rouge Sid Edwards, center left, after a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana

Sid Edwards, mayor-president of Baton Rouge, left, speaks next to Police Chief Thomas S. ‘TJ’ Morse, Jr. after the shooting in Baton Rouge

Her family, including her parents and younger sister, are now grappling with the loss. 

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who said her family had known the Odoms for decades, expressed her grief publicly.

‘There are no words for the devastating loss of innocent life,’ Murrill wrote. ‘I’m praying for her, her family and friends, and the entire Lafayette community during this heartbreaking time.’

Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca said: ‘Our prayers are with those who were critically injured, all who were harmed, and every family whose lives have been suddenly and painfully shaken by this act of violence, especially those who have lost a loved one.’

Political leaders across the state echoed those sentiments, while also demanding accountability. 

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was coordinating with law enforcement. US Senator Bill Cassidy thanked first responders and expressed hope for the recovery of the injured.

Mayor Sid Edwards credited the rapid police response with preventing further loss of life. ‘We will catch you,’ he said, addressing those responsible. ‘We’re not having this in Baton Rouge.’

The tragedy unfolded just days after another mass killing in Louisiana, intensifying concerns about escalating violence across the state. 

A substitute teacher identifying as transgender in Virginia has been detained over allegations of planning a frightening “murder spree” targeting a local school, while also boasting online about a sinister hit list.

Nineteen-year-old Hadyn Dollery was apprehended on the premises of John Champe High School in Stone Ridge, located roughly 40 miles from Washington, DC. The arrest followed threatening messages posted on Discord, as reported by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and various media sources.

Authorities were alerted to the suspect’s alarming online activity through a tip received via the department’s Safe2Talk app.

According to a criminal complaint accessed by the Loudon Times-Mirror, the alleged plotter issued threats against family and acquaintances on the messaging platform, including alarming discussions about a mass attack at the school.

The complaint further revealed that the troubled youth, hailing from Chantilly, also claimed possession of a “kill list.”

Dollery worked as a “non-licensed” substitute teacher for the 2025-26 school year but was later scrubbed from the district’s list after being thrown behind bars, the outlet reported.

The long-haired suspect, seen grinning in their mugshot, was charged with threats of bodily harm and is now being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, cops said.

The deranged teen — who identifies as a trans woman — was booked as a male and is reportedly being housed alone, WJLA reported.

Dollery is due back in court on May 26.

Arrest in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting, search for more suspects

‘Targeted Shooting’

A cherished elementary school teacher from Southern California tragically lost her life, while her daughter, a prominent advocate for mental health, sustained critical injuries in an alleged home invasion and stabbing, according to prosecutors.

Sergio Meza Fraire, a 30-year-old resident of Burbank, faces charges of murder and attempted murder following the April 20 incident involving 59-year-old Arti Varma and her 25-year-old daughter, Meera Varma, as reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators claim that Fraire unlawfully entered the home between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. while the victims were asleep. It is alleged that around 6 a.m., he entered a bedroom and stabbed both women multiple times.

Arti Varma, who taught first grade at Bret Harte Elementary School, succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter, however, survived the attack and remains in the hospital.

Meera Varma, a stabbing survivor, has previously been photographed with former President Joe Biden at an event, as seen on her Facebook page.

Meera Varma is a prominent mental health advocate and TEDx speaker who has worked alongside high-profile figures including Oprah Winfrey, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, according to her personal website.

She was the youngest speaker in TEDxUCLA history and has been invited to the White House to discuss youth mental health. In 2023, she appeared with Winfrey at UCLA to speak about the youth mental health crisis, focusing her work on supporting young people and encouraging open conversations around mental health.

Investigators have said the attack does not appear to have been random, though authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive or whether the suspect knew the victims.

Burbank stabbing suspect Sergio Fraire booked on murder, attempted murder charges. (Burbank Police Department)

“Detectives do not believe this was a random act; however, they continue to investigate the relationship between the suspect and the victims, as well as motive,” Burbank Police Department Lt. Brent Fekety told Fox News Digital.

Despite a burglary charge, police indicated there is no evidence the suspect intended to steal anything.

“It does not appear the suspect entered with the intent to commit theft,” Fekety continued.

Fraire was identified as a suspect following what police described as a comprehensive investigation involving interviews, surveillance review and evidence collection.

Fraire pleaded not guilty in court and is being held without bail. He is expected to return to court in June as the case moves forward.

Slain California teacher Arti Varma seen with daughter Meera. (Arti Varma Facebook)

“Arti Varma was a deeply beloved elementary school teacher who was senselessly taken from her family and community in an act of horrific violence,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.

“We will take every necessary step to ensure that the defendant is held accountable for this vicious and unprovoked attack.”

If convicted, Fraire could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, prosecutors said. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Ellen DeGeneres is gearing up for a major return to Hollywood after stepping away due to numerous bullying allegations.

The 68-year-old comedian is set to once again lend her voice to the beloved character Dory in Disney’s highly successful Finding Nemo series.

As reported by Deadline, DeGeneres will be reprising her role as Dory in a new short film.

DeGeneres originally brought Dory to life in 2003’s Finding Nemo and continued with the character in 2016’s Finding Dory.

The sequel released in 2016 was a massive hit, raking in $1.029 billion globally and becoming one of the most profitable animated films ever.

It was also DeGeneres’ final film role, although the former talk show host continued appearing on television until around 2021, when her public image took a nosedive following allegations of bullying and misconduct.

Ellen DeGeneres is poised for a huge Hollywood comeback after fleeing Tinseltown amid a slew of bullying accusations

The embattled comedian, 68, will reprise her role as the loveable fish Dory in Disney’s billion-dollar Finding Nemo franchise

DeGeneres’ scandal was sparked by a single tweet penned by comedian Kevin T. Porter in March 2020 asking people for ‘the most insane stories you’ve heard about Ellen being mean,’ which amassed thousands of replies.

Four months later, BuzzFeed News published an exposé featuring one current and 10 former employees of the Louisiana-born star’s now-defunct daytime talk show alleging racism, workplace bullying, and sexual harassment. 

By August 2020, WarnerMedia had launched an internal investigation and executive producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman, and Jonathan Norman were all fired from the show. DeGeneres also issued a formal apology to her 255 employees.

DeGeneres – who also apologized to fans on air – broadcast her final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 26, 2022 after 19 seasons. 

She later branded the backlash ‘a coordinated misogynistic’ attack on her. 

Reflecting on the experience in 2022, she told The Hollywood Reporter, ‘I have to just trust that whatever happened during that time, which was obviously very, very difficult, happened for a reason.

‘I think that I learned a lot, and there were some things that came up that I was shocked and surprised by. It was eye-opening, but I just trust that that had to happen.’

After a lengthy hiatus, she stepped back in front of the camera for her 2024 Netflix special titled Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.

The animated film will be the star’s first major role since she was publicly ‘canceled’ amid a slew of bullying accusations

However, upon its release, the project garnered mixed to negative reviews, with a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Last year, the Daily Mail revealed a host of explosive allegations about the behind-the-scenes antics on DeGeneres’ now-defunct daytime show, as told by a former staffer.

The source described a sense of fear from DeGeneres’ employees, as well as a prank played by them in an attempt to mock her allegedly childish behavior. 

Meanwhile, DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi fled the US for the UK following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.  

Last year, she spoke with English broadcaster Richard Bacon at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham about her decision to relocate.

DeGeneres said that she and wife de Rossi were also considering tying the knot again in the UK after some moves in the US to reverse the right to gay marriage. 

DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi fled the US for the UK following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, but have since moved back to California

‘We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, “He got in”. And we’re like, “We’re staying here”,’ she said. 

Speaking of her love for the UK she added, ‘It’s absolutely beautiful. We’re just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture – everything you see is charming and it’s just a simpler way of life.’ 

She continued, ‘It’s clean. Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here.

‘We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life. We love it here. Portia flew her horses here, and I have chickens, and we had sheep for about two weeks.’

However, she seems to have changed her mind since then, with the star splashing out $27.4 million on a Montecito mansion in California late last year.

She and de Rossi now appear to be splitting their time between England and celebrity-studded Montecito, which is also home to Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ariana Grande.

On Thursday evening, more than one red carpet event demanded attention.

The Time 100 Gala at Lincoln Center in New York boasted a remarkable guest list, honoring the world’s 100 most influential figures. Notables like Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, and Scottie Scheffler made appearances.

Yet, it was Chloe Kim who truly captivated the crowd, arriving with her NFL star boyfriend, Myles Garrett. The couple shared a tender moment that stole the spotlight.

Before the festivities kicked off, photographers caught a glimpse of the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman admiring the two-time Olympic snowboarding gold medalist. Kim dazzled in a radiant pink gown as Garrett watched her pose for the cameras.