Story by Ethan
On June 17th, 2026, the arrest of Dawood Faisal, age 22, was announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Dawood Faisal was charged with second-degree Manslaughter, second and third-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Leaving the Scene Without Reporting, second-degree Menacing, Reckless Driving, Failing to Stop at a Steady Red Signal, Driving in Excess of the Maximum Speed Limit, and Operating a Vehicle at Unreasonable Speeds. The arrest and charges against Dawood Faisal were a result of an investigation handled by Detective Kevin Livingston of the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 7:48 p.m. on May 25th, 2026, Dawood Faisal was driving a 2013 Toyota Prius southbound on Francis Lewis Boulevard. It’s alleged that the defendant was operating his vehicle recklessly, driving in excess of 75 miles per hour despite the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Dawood Faisal allegedly drove through two red lights before entering the Union Turnpike intersection and ramming into a 2026 Mercedes-Benz-G-Wagon. Prior to the crash the Mercedes was traveling westbound on Union Turnpike with the right of way and a steady green light. After the defendant collided with the Mercedes he continued to drive on the intersection before ramming into the rear driver’s side of a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The Nissan was launched onto the crosswalk due to the impact where it struck two pedestrians. The two pedestrians were transported to a local hospital in Queens, New York, where 71-year-old Cara Trager succumbed to severe head trauma and her husband suffered from a shoulder injury, hand lacerations, and bruising to his face. After the collision Dawood Faisal exited his vehicle and fled from the scene on foot, however nearby good samaritans chased after him and detained him until law enforcement arrived.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Dawood Faisal are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
