Former FBI agent charged in Brooklyn pedestrian collision and alleged coverup

A former FBI agent pleaded not guilty Thursday, Nov. 5, to federal charges stemming from allegations that he struck and severely injured a pedestrian in Brooklyn, moved the unconscious man to a bench and drove away. Prosecutors say Andrew Reyes, 30, later lied to investigators about the Feb. 3 collision.

According to prosecutors, Reyes was speeding against traffic on six-lane Ocean Parkway, south of Prospect Park, with his government-issued car’s emergency lights flashing. They allege that he passed through a red light and hit the man as he crossed the street. Reyes then allegedly pulled him from the roadway, dragged him across a snowy sidewalk and left him with his bag on a bench before fleeing.

Reyes faces charges of willfully depriving someone of constitutional rights while acting under color of law and making false statements. He could receive up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Following his arrest Thursday morning, he was released on a $100,000 bond that his parents, with whom he lives, co-signed. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2.

At the arraignment, prosecutors asked Magistrate Judge Clay Kaminsky to require a mental health evaluation. They cited both the alleged attempt to conceal the collision and a remark Reyes made during a May 1 interview with the Justice Department Inspector General’s office. Prosecutors said Reyes denied involvement in any hit-and-run during that questioning.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gilbert Rein told the judge that, near the interview’s end, Reyes asked an investigator what would happen if he grabbed the investigator’s gun. Rein said the question was unprompted. Defense lawyer Nora Hirozawa said she had not reviewed the interview recording and described the remark as “offhand” and “very odd.” Kaminsky declined to require an evaluation. Reyes must surrender his passport and restrict his travel to New York and New Jersey under his bail conditions.

Reyes became tearful as his parents addressed the judge. Hirozawa gave him tissues and rested a hand on his back. The injured pedestrian, whose identity has not been made public, did not attend the arraignment. Reyes declined to comment when he left court with his lawyer and parents.

Although alleged hit-and-run cases are generally handled by local prosecutors, this prosecution is in federal court because of Reyes’ position with the FBI, his use of a government vehicle and his alleged false statements to Justice Department investigators. He no longer works for the FBI, which did not immediately answer inquiries about his employment history.

Hirozawa said Reyes had worked for the agency for more than nine years and now works at a home remodeling business. The indictment states that he became a special agent in 2023. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the alleged actions “demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life and his sworn oath to uphold the law.”