Jersey Man Extradited to Queens for Striking Cyclist

Moustafa Taher faces 15 years in prison for alleged hit-and-run incident in Astoria

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A 21-year-old New Jersey man has been extradited to Queens and charged with a 16-count indictment for a November 2023 incident where he allegedly struck a 26-year-old cyclist in Astoria, leaving the victim critically injured, and then fled the scene and filed a false police report claiming his vehicle had been stolen.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run incidents involving drivers with suspended licenses and the challenges law enforcement faces in holding such offenders accountable, especially when they attempt to cover up their actions.

The details

According to the charges, on November 18, 2023, Moustafa Taher was driving a rented Volkswagen SUV at a high rate of speed through Astoria, blowing through red lights and stop signs. At the intersection of 29th Street and Broadway, Taher struck a 26-year-old cyclist, Deivy Lemus Bustamante, causing severe injuries including a cervical spine fracture. Taher then fled the scene without stopping to render aid. He later called 911 to report the vehicle as stolen, but police recovered the damaged SUV a few hours later, finding evidence that Taher had been driving at 43 mph in a 25 mph zone at the time of the collision.

  • On November 18, 2023, the incident occurred in Astoria.
  • In February 2026, Taher was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on the 16-count indictment.

The players

Moustafa Taher

A 21-year-old New Jersey man who is facing 15 years in prison for the hit-and-run incident in Astoria.

Deivy Lemus Bustamante

A 26-year-old cyclist who was struck by Taher's vehicle, sustaining severe injuries including a cervical spine fracture.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who announced the charges against Taher.

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What they’re saying

“As alleged, this defendant was driving with a suspended license, speeding and blowing red lights when he hit a cyclist in Astoria. He then filed a false police report claiming his car had been stolen to evade responsibility.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Moustafa Taher out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run incidents involving drivers with suspended licenses and the challenges law enforcement faces in holding such offenders accountable, especially when they attempt to cover up their actions.