Story by Ethan
On April 29th, 2026, the arrest of Dauri Batita, age 32, was announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Dauri Batita was charged with first-degree Reckless Endangerment, three counts of second-degree Attempted Robbery, nine counts of second-degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Attempted Assault, four counts of second-degree Menacing, third-degree Criminal Mischief, and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Personal Injury and Property Damage. The arrest and charges against Dauri Batita were a result of an investigation handled by NYPD Officer Staci Autz of the 102nd Precinct.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 4:08 p.m. on April 26th, 2026, Dauri Batita approached a 2015 Nissan on the intersection of Park Lane South and Forrest Parkway in Woodhaven, New York. Inside the vehicle was a 61–year-old driver accompanied by three other passengers. The vehicle’s occupants noticed the defendant in a blue delivery vest approaching with an unknown object in hand that he used to hit and crack the windshield. The four women in the car waited for police to respond at the intersection of Forest Parkway and 85th Avenue when Dauri Batita entered a white 2024 Ram van and collided head on with the Nissan. The defendant allegedly continued ramming into the front of the Nissan before it sped off, however while still in the Ram he pursued after the victims at a high rate of speed. The repeated collisions caused three of the women to experience severe neck, back, and knee pain.
Shortly after the first incident Dauri Batita continued driving at the intersection of 87th Street and 85th Road while allegedly going the wrong way on a one-way street. The defendant then exited the Ram and approached a 66-year-old man before repeatedly punching him in the face. The victim was transported to a local hospital to be treated for multiple loose teeth and significant bleeding. Dauri Batita soon after approached a 33-year-old man and also punched him several times while pulling his necklace. A third victim, a 72-year-old male, was then approached by the defendant and punched once which caused him to fall to the ground and sustain abrasions to his arm. Dauri Batita then reentered the Ram before continuing to drive the wrong way on the one way street before colliding head on with a 2023 Nissan. The defendant then exited the vehicle and opened the front passenger door to punch the 75-year-old driver while threatening to steal the vehicle. The victim’s son, who was also present in the Nissan, managed to intervene and hold down Dauri Batita until police arrived.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Dauri Batita are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
