Brooklyn Man Charged with Insurance Fraud for Staged Car Crash
What to Know
- A Brooklyn man is facing a litany of charges for allegedly staging a car crash as part of an insurance fraud scheme.
- Maikel Martinez, 28, was arraigned on charges of staging a motor vehicle accident, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.
- If convicted, he faces up to 2 1/3 years to seven years in prison.
Incident Details
Maikel Martinez, 28 and of Dyker Heights, allegedly staged a car crash on the Belt Parkway by cutting off another driver, forcing the driver to stop and then reversing into the victim’s car. The incident was caught on the victim’s dash cam and soon became a viral video.
Charges and Investigation
Martinez was arraigned on charges of staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, conspiracy in the fifth degree, and insurance fraud in the fifth degree. He is scheduled to appear in court again on January 7.
According to the charges, shortly after 11 a.m. on October 16, Asphia Natasha was driving north in the left lane of the Belt Parkway when a silver Honda Civic cut in front of her and came to a stop, forcing Natasha to brake. The Honda then quickly backed into Natasha’s vehicle, damaging both cars.
Investigation and Evidence
The incident was captured on Natasha’s dashboard cameras, which showed the purported plot unfold. The footage also showed a red Kia Sport following Natasha’s car, which stopped in front of the Honda after the crash. One of the people inside the Honda got inside the Kia and left the scene.
DA’s Statement
“The defendant and others allegedly staged a crash on a busy highway and rammed an unsuspecting driver with their vehicle after they forcibly stopped her in the left lane of the Belt Parkway,” said District Attorney Katz. “Countless lives were jeopardized due to this incredibly reckless conduct. This investigation is very much ongoing, and I encourage anyone who suspects that they may have been a victim in a staged car crash to call the NYPD Office of Fraudulent Collision Investigation Squad at 718-822-5403.”
Conclusion
The investigation is ongoing, and Martinez is scheduled to appear in court again on January 7. If convicted, he faces up to 2 1/3 years to seven years in prison.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Maikel Martinez?
A: Martinez is facing charges of staging a motor vehicle accident, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: Martinez allegedly cut off another driver on the Belt Parkway, forcing the driver to stop and then reversing into the victim’s car.
Q: How was the incident captured?
A: The incident was captured on the victim’s dashboard cameras.
Q: What is the investigation ongoing?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and the DA is encouraging anyone who suspects they may have been a victim in a staged car crash to come forward.
