Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Thursday, April 14, that a man has been charged with attempted murder in the second-degree, as well as other charges, for critically injuring a woman in Claremont Park when he allegedly drove a stolen car onto a walkway, striking her as she was out walking her dog.

As reported, and according to the investigation, on March 12, at approximately 6:51 p.m. near the corner of Morris Avenue and Teller Avenue inside Claremont Park, the defendant, Becan Floyd, 22, allegedly drove a stolen rental car into Christina Emiliano, the victim, and her dog, Rocco, as the two were walking in the park on a grassy area. Patrolling officers observed the alleged attack and pursued Floyd. Officers later arrested him after he crashed the stolen car into two vehicles.

 

Emiliano was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln after suffering multiple fractures, and was placed on a ventilator in critical condition, until recently. Rocco suffered head lacerations and went missing after the incident. He was later found and was returned to his owners.

In the context of the announcement, Clark said the defendant had been arraigned on Thursday on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, and second-degree reckless endangerment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas.

 

“The defendant allegedly turned the 3,000-pound vehicle into a weapon that injured a 58-year-old woman and her dog while they were enjoying time at a local park,” Clark said. “He put the lives of all parkgoers at risk when he allegedly recklessly drove into the park. After striking the victim he kept going, ultimately crashing the car into other vehicles. We are fortunate no one else was seriously hurt, and that police sprang into action apprehending the suspect.”

 

The case is being prosecuted by assistant district attorney, Jade Newby, of the trial division, under the supervision of Catherine Davis, chief of Trial Bureau 40, and Jeffrey Kimelman, chief of the vehicular crimes unit, under the overall supervision of James Brennan, deputy chief of the trial division, and Theresa Gottlieb, chief of the trial division. Clark thanked trial preparation assistant, Jamece Hill, of the vehicular crimes unit, and trial preparation assistant, Gretchen Ray of the trial division.

Clark also thanked NYPD Officer Kevin Wallace and Detective Enmanuel Rosario of the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad who assisted with the investigation and prosecution of the case as well as Police Officers Vincent Fortino and Michael Espenberg of the 44^th precinct.

          

A person arrested and charged with a crime is innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.

 

Floyd remains in custody and is due back in court on July 7, 2022.