ASTORIA — An Astoria man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving earlier this month after smashing his car into a police cruiser, the Queens district attorney’s office said.
Juan Melendez, 24, was charged with assault, reckless driving and DUI May 2 after the incident at Astoria Boulevard and 14th Street, according to a criminal complaint filed by the DA’s office. He was arraigned May 3 and released on his own recognizance. His next court date is May 27.
Around 6:47 p.m. May 2, officers spotted Melendez driving rapidly in a 2000 Chrysler, the DA said. He swerved to avoid the police car, but smashed into the passenger−side door, the DA’s office said. The officers suffered cuts and bruises, the DA said.
