Queens Man Indicted for Hate Crime Vandalism
Prosecutors charge Dawood Faisal with targeting a Jewish-owned bagel shop while also facing prior manslaughter counts.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Financial Crime
Dawood Faisal has been indicted on hate crime charges for allegedly vandalizing a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows twice in May. The 22-year-old remains in the legal system while facing separate manslaughter charges for a fatal hit-and-run incident.
Why it matters
The indictment suggests prosecutors believe the vandalism of the Israeli-flag-displaying shop was a targeted hate crime. These charges compound an existing legal case against Faisal stemming from a high-speed vehicle crash in the same neighborhood.
Faisal faces current hate crime charges following his July arrest for vandalism, in addition to an existing June indictment for manslaughter and assault. The legal proceedings remain ongoing as the court addresses both the destruction of property and the fatal crash.
The players
Dawood Faisal
He is a 22-year-old defendant currently facing multiple criminal indictments in Queens.
Cara Trager
She was a 71-year-old victim who died in a high-speed hit-and-run incident.
Michael Trager
He was injured during the hit-and-run incident involving the defendant's vehicle.
The details
Faisal allegedly targeted Bagels & Co. by throwing dirt and knocking over 20 plant stands during visits on May 15 and May 23. Authorities also allege he drove 75 mph in a 35 mph zone on May 25, leading to a hit-and-run that killed 71-year-old Cara Trager and injured Michael Trager on Union Parkway.
Timeline
May 15, 2026: The suspect allegedly conducted the first act of vandalism at the bagel shop.
May 23, 2026: A second act of vandalism reportedly occurred at the same business.
May 25, 2026: Faisal struck two pedestrians with a vehicle on Union Parkway.
June 2026: The defendant was indicted on manslaughter and assault charges.
July 2026: Authorities arrested Faisal for the vandalism incidents.
Legal Context
This case follows the enforcement of New York state hate crime statutes that enhance penalties for vandalism when it is motivated by bias against the owner. It highlights how local prosecutors categorize and consolidate multiple severe criminal charges within the same jurisdiction.
Residents of the Fresh Meadows neighborhood may see continued police scrutiny as the court moves forward with both the hate crime and vehicular manslaughter cases. Local businesses in the area remain under safety monitoring as the legal process for these incidents proceeds.
The takeaway
The indictment serves as a reminder of how bias-motivated property damage is prosecuted as a serious crime in New York. Residents should remain aware of local safety updates and official reports as the court addresses these severe charges.
Further reading
For broader context on how local courts manage complex criminal proceedings, visit the New York City Financial Crime section.
