Former FBI Agent Charged in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run

A former FBI agent has been charged in connection with a February hit-and-run in Brooklyn, according to federal prosecutors.

The Alleged Incident

Andrew Reyes, 30, was driving his FBI-issued car on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn on Feb. 3 when he struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street, prosecutors said. The indictment states Reyes was driving the wrong way, with his emergency lights on, and blew through a red light.

After the collision, Reyes allegedly dragged the unconscious man from the street, across the sidewalk, and placed him on a bench. He also placed the man’s bag next to him on the bench before speeding away. Prosecutors say Reyes never alerted hospitals or medical emergency services.

The Charges and Court Appearance

Reyes was charged with willfully depriving an individual of his constitutional rights while acting under color of law and making false statements. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $100,000 bond co-signed by his parents.

Prosecutors said Reyes lied when interviewed by Justice Department investigators and denied that he had ever hit a person while driving his FBI car and not reported the incident. The indictment alleges Reyes falsely stated that he had not.

Reyes is due back in court on Dec. 2. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Official Responses

The FBI said it was made aware of Reyes’ alleged criminal conduct in April and promptly terminated his employment. The FBI’s New York field office said in a statement: “This employee demonstrated an utter disregard for human life and the rule of law and did not uphold the values of this organization and all for which we stand.”

Joseph Nocella, US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “As alleged, the defendant was driving his government vehicle the wrong way on a major Brooklyn thoroughfare, blew through a red light, struck a pedestrian, and then fled the scene without rendering aid to the severely injured victim or reporting the incident.”

Reyes’ lawyer, Nora Hirozawa, characterized a comment Reyes made about a gun during a law enforcement interview as an “offhand” comment, albeit a “very odd” one. A judge declined prosecutors’ request for a mental health evaluation.

Why it matters

The case involves an FBI agent accused of using a government vehicle to strike a pedestrian, leaving the scene, and lying to federal investigators, raising questions about accountability for law enforcement officers.

---

Sources

• cnn.com: FBI agent hit man with car, moved him to a bench and left without calling for help, DOJ says | CNN Politics
• apnews.com: FBI agent allegedly involved in Brooklyn hit-and-run | AP News

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.