Driver Charged After Fatal Accident in Brooklyn Mall Parking Lot

A young driver involved in a reckless stunt in a Brooklyn shopping center parking lot has been linked to a fatal crash that resulted in the death of his girlfriend. According to authorities, Zachary Cando, 24, was performing dangerous donuts in a luxury vehicle at the Gateway Center in East New York around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday when he lost control and struck 21-year-old Madisyn Ruiz, who was sitting nearby on a curb.

The impact left Ruiz in critical condition. Emergency medical teams were called to the scene and transported her to Brooklyn Health-Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Police reports state that Cando remained on the scene until officers arrived. The vehicle involved, a white 2023 Genesis G80, was found with significant front-end damage. Cando was subsequently arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving.

He appeared in court and was granted bail set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The incident has raised concerns about street racing and reckless driving in the area.