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19-year-old arrested in violent Malba, Queens car meetup

A suspect has been arrested after a car meetup in Queens turned violent last month.

Justin Aguilera, 19, faces a host of charges, including gang assault, assault, riot, and trespassing. He's allegedly one of the people caught on video brutally attacking a couple who was trying to defend their property during the Nov. 23 incident.

The judge set Aguilera's bail at $100,000 cash. He's due back in court Dec. 10.

Investigation continues into chaotic car meetup

Video captured the chaos of the incident, with cars doing donuts in the street and fireworks being set off. A security vehicle that was parked in an intersection in an effort to put an end to the swarm of cars descending on the area was set on fire.

"I was sleeping, but it was a big noise, you know? ... It was around 1 o'clock in the morning, something like that," a neighbor named Armando said. "And by the time I come out to the window, my son and I, we see a bunch of firemen, the car was on fire."

"Neighbors came out and complained about it, and because of that, [the victims] ended up in the hospital with serious physical injuries," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Aguilera's defense attorney and family declined to speak to reporters Friday.

Police said one of the cars used in the street takeover has been impounded, a Chrysler 300 sedan. It was found in Fordham, the Bronx, just days after the incident and towed to the 109th Precinct, where it was dusted for prints as investigators put together an evidence trail.

Investigators are still reviewing video to identify and arrest more suspects.

Officials call for traffic safety changes in neighborhood

Residents in the Malba neighborhood say street takeovers keep happening, but this last one was the worst yet. They're still on edge about the most recent incident, but they're relieved that one of the suspects is now under arrest.

"Enough is enough," Armando said.

The NYPD faced criticism from area residents over its response time to the incident. Patrols in the area have since been increased.

New York City Councilmember Vickie Paladino returned to the scene Friday with officials from the Department of Transportation, the Parks Department and the NYPD, calling for immediate traffic safety changes.

"The reason for today's meeting is so that we can finally walk through and determine where we're going to strategically place speed bumps," Paladino said. "We are going to do whatever needs to be done to help these people have the safety that they need."

Neighbors hope Aguilera's arrest and the promised safety changes will finally bring back peace and quiet to the area.

"If it will stop all this noise, whatever, it will be better," Armando said.

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