NYPD officer’s brother lunges at family of accused hit-and-run driver during chaotic court hearing following BQE crash.

Chaos ensued in a Brooklyn courtroom on Tuesday as tensions flared during the arraignment of Carlos Almanzar Toribio, who is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident. The incident involved NYPD officer Jay Pena, who was tragically killed in a collision on August 27, 2025, while riding his motorcycle along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

The courtroom disruption began when Jason Pena, the younger brother of the deceased officer, lunged at a family member of Almanzar Toribio. This outburst triggered a physical altercation that resulted in injuries to an on-duty NYPD lieutenant, who sustained a mild head injury during the commotion. Emergency personnel were called to the scene to attend to both the injured officer and a relative of Almanzar Toribio, who also reported head pain.

Court officials confirmed that Jason Pena was charged with disorderly conduct and issued a summons to appear in court. Meanwhile, the arraignment of Carlos Almanzar Toribio proceeded without further incident. The defendant, 30, pleaded not guilty, and his bail was set at 0,000 in cash or 0,000 in bond. The case is scheduled for adjournment, with no additional information provided regarding its next steps.

Almanzar Toribio, represented by attorney Steven Brill, is facing serious charges in the wake of the tragic accident that resulted in Officer Pena’s death. Brill emphasized that his client is not being charged with the officer’s death, referring to the incident as an accident. He expressed hope that the family of the deceased might come to understand the circumstances surrounding the case, particularly in light of video evidence that may clarify the events leading up to the collision.

The fatal crash occurred as Almanzar Toribio was driving a 2020 Freightliner box truck towards the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, where he collided with Officer Pena’s Yamaha motorcycle. In graphic footage shared on social media, Pena was seen being thrown from his motorcycle, which continued down the highway and ultimately crashed into a wall, erupting into flames.

Prosecutors have indicated that video footage shows Peña’s body rolling out from beneath the truck following the collision. Eyewitnesses reported that Almanzar Toribio was observed removing the motorcycle from under the truck moments after the accident. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, criticized Almanzar Toribio’s actions, stating that he had the opportunity to assist the injured officer but instead chose to flee, underscoring the need for accountability in this tragic case.

Carlos Almanzar Toribio remains in custody as the investigation continues, with many in the community watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold.