Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. recently announced a guilty plea concerning a devastating car crash that took place in East Harlem. Angel Melendez, 53, admitted to charges stemming from the July 2024 incident that resulted in the death of one person and injured, anotheraccording to Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
On the unfortunate day of the crash, Melendez drove erratically—speeding and swerving through traffic which, ultimately led to the fatal accident. Upon running a red light at the northwest corner of 1st Avenue and East 105th Street, Melendez's vehicle struck a parked motorcycle and car, causing a chain reaction where 51-year-old Nadjari Reid was tragically killed. The accident also almost claimed another pedestrian, who narrowly escaped injury. During this event, Melendez’s 14-year-old son was also in the car with him.
"This was a horrific instance of vehicular violence, and my thoughts continue to be with Mr. Reid’s loved ones. This type of reckless driving– swerving in and out of traffic lines at high speeds — can have deadly consequences. As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, we will hold drivers accountable when they endanger public safety and harm New Yorkers," Bragg stated, as per Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Melendez's admission to the charges includes one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree. Sentencing is set for February 24, 2026, with Melendez facing a span of time between 4 ½ to 13 ½ years, Assistant D.A. Heather Pearson is handling the prosecution with supervision from Assistant D.A. Jill Hoexter (Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Unit), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).
The Manhattan DA's Office thanked the NYPD for their work, highlighting the efforts of 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.
