Judge forced by bail reform laws to release Queens teen charged in fiery ‘donuts’ street takeover incident

22-year-old Asil Assaidi appeared in Queens Criminal Court after being charged with reckless endangerment. The charge is a low-level felony, and under the state’s 2020 bail reform law, judges cannot set bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.

“I believe the facts in front of me shows that this defendant poses a significant danger to society,” Judge Indira Khan said. “I am very appalled by the alleged nature of this case and the potential for greater harm, however my hands are tied.”

Khal ordered that Assaidi be placed under supervised release to ensure that he would return for his next court date.

Assaidi was seen on video driving in donuts while participating in a street takeover in Middle Village. Prosecutors noted during his hearing that the incident occurred just after 1:40 am, when multiple residents were woken up to the screeching of tires and a large group of people yelling.

The takeover saw more than 50 people gathered in the middle of the roadway as Assaidi drove in a figure 8 pattern. At one point, someone poured a flammable liquid into the street, creating a ring of fire that Assaidi then drove through. Prosecutors noted that two nearby gas stations could have been ignited by this activity.

“The defendant’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard to the safety of himself, the numerous individuals he nearly struck by his vehicle and the residents of Queens County (while) whipping his vehicle back and forth through a ring of fire at that intersection next to two gas stations,” prosecutors said.

Officials also said Assaidi’s driver’s license had been suspended and that the vehicle he was driving was uninsured. As police escorted him from the station on Thursday, he was seen smiling and greeting friends, who were also smiling and recording the moment, according to the Daily News.

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