MTA train operator arrested in connection with hit-and-run death of 'jeweler to the stars'

NEW YORK (WABC) -- An MTA train operator has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run death of jeweler-to-the-stars Aranbayev in Queens.

The suspect, 46-year-old Charles Jordan, was taken into custody at his Valley Stream home Thursday morning after being tracked down by detectives.

NYPD detectives searched Jordan's house.

Police say Jordan got into a verbal dispute with Aranbayev after the victim was dropped off outside his Forest Hills home just after 11 p.m. on July 19. Apparently, Jordan was speeding down the street, and Aranbayev was standing in the way. The two exchanged words and yelled at each other until the victim got out of the suspect's way, according to authorities.

The suspect then drove past the victim, but the verbal dispute continued. At one point, police say Jordan got out of the vehicle and yelled at Aranbayev, then got back into the vehicle, backed up past the victim, waited several seconds, and hit the gas, speeding directly into him.

"The defendant is accused of viciously running down and killing a 40-year-old man, who was standing in front of his home," District Attorney Richard Brown said. "The victim didn't have a chance. He was allegedly brutally rammed by a 1,000-plus pound, high-speed vehicle that violently threw him to the ground. The victim hit his head and succumbed to his injuries. This was a senseless, violent death that could have easily been prevented."

The entire dispute was caught on the victim's video surveillance system, which was turned over to police.

Aranbayev, a husband and father of four young children, worked at Rafaello and Co. at 22 West 47th Street in the Diamond District and was known by many celebrities.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather had contributed $10,000 to the family's reward offering, which exceeded $50,000.

His family released a statement, saying "We finally have some sort of closure and justice for my beloved brother. We have justice, but will not bring my brother back."

Jordan is charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

According to the MTA, Jordan was hired as a conductor in 2000 and promoted to a train operator in 2006. He's since been suspended without pay following the charges.

If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Jordan was arraigned Thursday night. Bail was set at $500,000.

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