Queens, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced charges against Maikel Martinez for allegedly staging a motor vehicle accident and reckless endangerment. The incident on the Belt Parkway involved a car reportedly driven by Martinez cutting off another vehicle, resulting in a collision.
On October 16, at approximately 11:11 a.m., Asphia Natasha was driving with her vehicle’s dashboard cameras recording the incident. A silver Honda Civic cut in front of her car before abruptly reversing into it. The occupants allegedly obstructed the view with a tarp, switched seats, and left the vehicle shortly after the collision.
Four individuals exited the Honda, including a man who identified himself as Maikel Martinez, claiming his wife was the driver. Another unidentified man and woman exited the vehicle, with one later entering a red Kia that had followed Natasha’s car.
Martinez, 28, of Dyker Heights, was arraigned Thursday night on multiple charges. Criminal Court Judge Jerry Iannece has scheduled his next court appearance for January 7, 2025. Martinez faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, and the investigation is ongoing.