- Juan Tenorio Ramos, 24, was arrested after crashing a wrong-way Mercedes into an Audi, sending it into a deli.
- The crash resulted in injuries to both the Audi driver and a passenger in Ramos' vehicle.
- Ramos was found with a fanny pack containing heroin, MDMA, and LSD at the scene.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Weeks after an NYPD patrol car hit a jogger in Columbus Circle while responding to a theft call, another caught-on-video street incident in New York City has led to criminal charges. This time, a wrong-way driver in Brooklyn is accused of nearly hitting an NYPD detective before causing a crash that sent another car into a deli.
The crash happened around 8:25 a.m. Sunday near Henry and Union streets in Carroll Gardens.
Wrong-Way Mercedes Hits Audi
Police said Juan Tenorio Ramos, 24, was driving a white Mercedes-Benz with Florida plates northbound on Henry Street, against the flow of traffic.
Authorities said the Mercedes nearly struck an NYPD detective before it hit a blue Audi with Connecticut plates.
Surveillance video showed the collision sending the Audi straight into Garden Gourmet Deli & Grill at the corner.
The crash shattered the deli’s front window and badly damaged the entrance.
Deli Owner Says Crash Was Traumatic
Deli owner Khalid Sarsour said he heard brakes screeching just before the vehicle slammed into his storefront.
He said the sound and impact left him shaken.
Local residents and customers later helped put up signs and organize support for the deli while repairs were being made.
The business was boarded up after the crash, but Sarsour said he planned to reopen.
Injuries Reported
The driver of the Audi and a woman riding in the Mercedes were taken to a hospital.
Police said both were in stable condition.
According to court documents cited in reports, Ramos’ front-seat passenger suffered a fractured arm. The Audi driver suffered a foot injury and whiplash.
The Audi driver was seen getting out of the damaged car while holding a small dog.
Drugs Allegedly Found in Vehicle
Ramos was arrested at the scene.
Prosecutors said he had a fanny pack in the car containing heroin, MDMA, and LSD.
Police said Ramos was not intoxicated at the time of the crash.
He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and reckless driving.
Other reported charges included driving the wrong way and failing to yield to a person in a crosswalk.
Earlier Hit-and-Run Alleged
Authorities said Ramos was also linked to another crash about 10 minutes earlier and about a mile away.
In that case, prosecutors said he allegedly sideswiped another Mercedes and left the scene.
The other driver suffered whiplash, according to court documents cited in reports.
Ramos was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident without reporting and reckless driving in connection with that earlier incident.
Prior Arrests Reported
Police sources said Ramos had been arrested at least two other times earlier this year.
Reports said he was arrested on Staten Island on July 4 after police allegedly found cocaine, a switchblade, and cash inside a Mercedes.
He was also reportedly arrested in Harlem in April on drug possession and traffic-related charges.
The outcomes of those earlier cases were not immediately clear.
Released Under Supervision
Ramos was arraigned in connection with the Brooklyn incidents.
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, he was granted supervised release because the charges were not bail eligible.
The case remains active as prosecutors move forward with the criminal charges.
To view more cases involving reckless drivers, caught-on-video crashes, and street incidents in New York City, check out our video here:
