By Howard Koplowitz
Ruben Fernandez, 22, of 599 West 190th in Manhattan, faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 14, the DA said.After deliberating for six hours over two days, a jury convicted Fernandez of robbery, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child, Brown said. He was acquitted on a kidnapping charge.Reena Francis was sitting in the backseat of her Nissan Maxima Aug. 28 with her 14-month-old son Devin when her husband pulled up to a dry cleaners at 202-16 Hillside Ave. and got out of the car, leaving the keys in the ignition, Brown said.Fernandez then jumped into the driver's seat and drove off going more than 50 miles an hour on Hillside Avenue before crashing into a parked car at 191st Street and the avenue in Queens Village, Brown said.”The defendant stands convicted of a brazen daylight carjacking that could have easily resulted in serious injuries to the vehicle's owner and her infant child,” the DA said in a statement. “Justice has now been done and the defendant will be held accountable for his actions.”A witness to the carjacking, Hector Colon, followed the car and held Fernandez until police arrived, according to the DA.”Mr. Colon's courage and willingness to help a total stranger without regard for his own safety is an example of true heroism,” Brown said. “I commend him for his actions.”Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
