Community mourns 51-year-old man struck and killed by vehicle in East Harlem
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- A driver is facing several charges after he allegedly blew through a red light and fatally struck a man in East Harlem.
Angel Melendez, 51, is charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, acting in a manner injurious to a child, and reckless endangerment.
Melendez was allegedly driving a 2007 Mercedes Benz northbound on 1st Avenue at a high rate of speed, blowing a red light as he changed lanes from right to left.
As he crossed East 105th Street just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, his Mercedes mounted a concrete island and struck a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle. He then hit a parked 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, which left 51-year-old Najari Reid and another man pinned.
Reid was pronounced dead at the hospital. Melendez as well as the man who was with Reid were treated for some injuries from the crash.
A 14-year-old boy, who was in the passenger's seat of the Mercedes, was not injured.
Neighbors who knew Reid said he had lived in the area his whole life.
With tears in his eyes, Larry Ruga lit a candle for his friend who was like a big brother figure growing up on East 105th and First.
"He was always fun, good with the community, go with the kids, work out, play his music, stay to himself," Ruga said. "And I mean, he was a good guy. This is just unfortunate, like really sad for this thing to even happen. Especially to him."
The community that loved him have since filled a First Avenue curb with candles and hints of how they'll remember "Jari," a friend who looked out for them.
"Nothing but kind, I'm going to miss him dearly," friend Serena Arroyo said.
They say Reid would whip up his popular potato salad for friends if there was a gathering, like he did just the other day.
"That was the last time I'd see him, rest in peace Jari, man, love you, First Ave loves you," friend William Moore said.
Melendez has eight prior arrests including assault, grand larceny, and domestic violence incidents. His last arrest was in March 2022, where he allegedly threw a 66-year-old co-worker to the floor of an elevator and punched him several times during a verbal dispute.
Melendez is being held on $500,000 bail. The investigation is ongoing.
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