Prosecutors say a Fresh Meadows man was driving more than 75 mph, ran multiple red lights, and tried to flee after a three-car crash that killed a woman and injured her husband.
QUEENS, N.Y. — A Queens man has been indicted on manslaughter, assault, and other charges in connection with a high-speed crash that killed a 71-year-old pedestrian and injured her husband in Fresh Meadows.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Dawood Faisal, 22, of Fresh Meadows, was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on a 10-count indictment stemming from the May 25 collision on Francis Lewis Boulevard.
Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered Faisal to return to court on July 16. If convicted, he faces more than 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors allege reckless speeding and red-light violations
According to the indictment, the crash occurred at approximately 7:48 p.m. as Faisal drove a 2013 Toyota Prius southbound on Francis Lewis Boulevard.
Prosecutors allege Faisal accelerated to more than 75 mph in a zone with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Investigators further allege that Faisal ran at least two red lights before entering the intersection of Union Turnpike, where his vehicle struck a 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon that was proceeding through the intersection with a green light.
Chain-reaction crash struck pedestrians
After hitting the Mercedes, prosecutors said Faisal’s vehicle continued forward and struck the rear driver’s side of a 2023 Nissan Rogue.
The impact propelled the Rogue into a crosswalk, where it struck a married couple who were walking through the intersection.
The victims were transported to a Queens hospital for treatment.
Cara Trager, 71, suffered severe head injuries and later died. Her husband sustained a shoulder injury, cuts to his hands, and facial bruising.
Good Samaritans stopped fleeing suspect
According to prosecutors, Faisal got out of his vehicle immediately after the crash and attempted to flee on foot along Francis Lewis Boulevard.
Witnesses who observed the collision chased after him and detained him until police officers arrived.
“Traffic laws exist to protect every motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist who travels on our shared roadways,” District Attorney Katz said.
“As alleged, the defendant chose to flout those laws by speeding, running at least two red lights and slamming into two vehicles, causing a three-car crash that struck two pedestrians in the crosswalk.”
Katz added, “Tragically, the defendant’s alleged disregard for the safety of others resulted in the death of one of the pedestrians, 71-year-old Cara Trager — a beloved wife and mother and valued member of her community.”
Multiple charges filed
Faisal is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, two counts of leaving the scene without reporting, reckless driving, second-degree menacing, failing to stop at a steady red signal, driving in excess of the maximum speed limit, and operating a vehicle at an unreasonable speed.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Kevin Livingston of the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad.
Key Points
• Dawood Faisal, 22, was indicted on manslaughter and assault charges after a fatal crash on Francis Lewis Boulevard.
• Prosecutors allege he was driving more than 75 mph and ran multiple red lights before causing a three-vehicle collision.
• The crash killed 71-year-old Cara Trager and injured her husband before witnesses detained the driver as he allegedly tried to flee.
