D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Man For Fatally Striking Pedestrian With Car

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of ANGEL MELENDEZ, 52, for fatally striking Nadjari Reid and injuring a pedestrian after running a red light with his child in the car in East Harlem in July 2024. MELENDEZ is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. [1] MELENDEZ was arraigned in Supreme Court on September 16, 2024.

"As alleged, Angel Melendez's extremely reckless driving killed 51-year-old Nadjari Reid, a lifelong New Yorker, and injured a second pedestrian. My thoughts are with Mr. Reid's loved ones as they continue to mourn his loss," said District Attorney Bragg. "Dangerous drivers who recklessly endanger, harm, or kill pedestrians will be held accountable."

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on July 29, 2024, at approximately 3:40 p.m., MELENDEZ sped up 1st Avenue between East 96th Street and 105th Street, veering between the left and right lanes, and swerving to avoid cars and pedestrians. He struck one woman's shopping cart, and narrowly missed hitting her and other pedestrians along the way.

At approximately 3:41 p.m. at the northwest corner of 1st Avenue and East 105th Street, MELENDEZ ran a steady red light and crashed into a parked motorcycle and car. The impact caused the parked car to crash into another parked car, killing 51-year-old Nadjari Reid, who was standing between the two cars at the time.

MELENDEZ also injured a second individual who was just able to get out of the way in time.

MELENDEZ's 14-year-old son was in the car with him.

Assistant D.A. Heather Pearson (Trial Bureau 80) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Jill Hoexter (Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Unit) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Douglas Gerber of the Highway Safety Enforcement Unit, Lieutenant Christopher Douse of Highway Patrol Unit 1, and Police Officer Thomas Collado, of the 23 Precinct.

Defendant Information:

ANGEL MELENDEZ

New York, NY

Charged:

• Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count
• Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class A misdemeanor, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.