Arrest drag racing duo in critical crash

Two drivers involved in a late-night drag racing wreck in Auburndale, that left an 11-year-old boy in critical condition, have been arrested.
Police took David Lakhchakov, 16, who had been driving a 2009 Lexus, and David Badalov, 18, behind the wheel of a 2004 BMW, into custody only hours after the crash on Francis Lewis Boulevard and 47th Avenue on Wednesday night, August 12.
According to cops, Badalov’s vehicle, with two passengers inside, collided with Lakhchakov’s, which then caused the Lexus to spin out and strike several parked cars.
Eleven-year-old Aviv Babayeva, who had been riding in the back seat of Badalov’s car, sustained the worst injuries, say police, while Lakhchakov only sustained minor abrasions. The pre-teen reportedly underwent emergency surgery at New York Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center.
“There’s a lot of racing on this street,” said local resident Joan Casey, who noted that, “this accident was worse than others.”
Lakhchakov now faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, reckless driving, unlicensed driver and speeding. Badalov is charged with reckless endangerment, assault, reckless driving and speeding.
Another area resident, who asked not to be identified, told The Queens Courier “He [Lakhchakov] felt so bad, so emotional – he covered his face and screamed for help for his cousins.”
“They [first responders] had to cut open the top [of the BMW] to remove the boy,” he continued. “The back of the BMW had been crushed.”