FBI Agent Charged: Brooklyn Hit and Run
Andrew Reyes, 30, faces federal charges after allegedly crashing into a pedestrian on Ocean Parkway and later lying to investigators about the incident.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Federal prosecutors filed formal charges against Andrew Reyes on Thursday for his role in a hit and run accident on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The 30 year old former FBI special agent was arrested that morning and appeared in the United States District Court shortly after. He faces accusations of depriving a person of their constitutional rights while acting under color of law and making false statements to officials.
The incident occurred on February 3 of this year. Court documents state that Reyes was driving an official government vehicle in the wrong direction on the six lane boulevard. His emergency lights were activated as he traveled at high speed against traffic. He ran a red light and struck a pedestrian, knocking the man to the pavement. Reyes then exited the car, dragged the unconscious victim out of the roadway, and placed the man’s bag on a nearby bench before driving away.
After the crash, investigators questioned Reyes about whether he had ever struck a person in a vehicle and failed to report it. The charging documents allege that Reyes told the investigators he had not. His public defender, Nora Hirozawa, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf during Thursday’s court appearance. She declined to offer further comment to reporters outside the courtroom.
Federal prosecutor Joseph Nocella issued a statement on Thursday describing the alleged conduct as a striking disregard for human life and the oath to uphold the law. Nocella said the charges convey that no one is above the law and that those who abuse positions of trust will face prosecution. The victim has not been identified publicly, and his current medical condition was unknown as of the filing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has not responded to requests for information regarding Reyes’s employment history or his current status within the agency. The court documents describe him as a former special agent. His next scheduled court date has not yet been set, but he remains in the custody of local authorities pending further proceedings.
