The driver of a car who deliberately braked and reversed into another vehicle has been charged on multiple counts – all thanks to the victim’s dashcam.
Last month, Ashpia Natasha was driving her Acura SUV on the Belt Parkway in Queens, New York City when a Honda Civic pulled into her lane and braked heavily in front of her.
While Ms. Natasha was able to stop in time to avoid hitting the Civic, the driver of the Honda put the car in reverse and backed into the Acura.
To make matters even more bizarre, a screen will be temporarily installed in the rear window of the Honda so that occupants can change seats before getting out of the car.
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After pretending to suffer a head injury and taking photos of the Acura, one of the four occupants of the Honda is picked up by a Kia Sportage that was driving behind Mrs. Natasha, leaving three passengers behind.
Footage of the incident from different angles has been viewed more than 90 million times on social media, although no one has yet been charged.
That has now changed, as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced that 28-year-old Maikel Martinez has been charged with faking a car accident, reckless endangerment, insurance fraud and criminal mischief.
Mr. Martinez faces a prison sentence of up to seven years for his involvement in the incident.
“The defendant and others allegedly staged an accident on a busy highway and rammed an unsuspecting driver with their vehicle after forcibly stopping her in the left lane of the Belt Parkway.said DA Katz.
“Countless lives have been endangered by this incredibly reckless behavior.”
An investigation into the other parties involved in the incident is ongoing.
