BRONX, N.Y. — A Bronx man accused of killing an innocent bystander in 2006 has been extradited from Kosovo and arraigned on charges of murder and manslaughter, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Ahmet Gashi, also known as Ahmet Arifi, 42, faces two counts of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Gashi was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera on December 16, 2024, and was remanded. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 16, 2025.
The charges stem from a December 31, 2006 incident outside the Moonlight Restaurant and Bar on Belmont Avenue. Authorities say Gashi was involved in an argument and physical altercation inside the bar and was ejected. After further disputes outside, Gashi allegedly entered his black SUV, drove onto the sidewalk, and struck Kemal Kolenovic, 28, an innocent bystander. Kolenovic was thrown down the block from the impact and died from his injuries.
Gashi fled to Kosovo following the incident. After an 18-year search, he was extradited to the United States on December 13, 2024, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Kosovan authorities.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “After 18 years of eluding authorities, the defendant is facing justice for allegedly mowing a victim down on the sidewalk with his vehicle.”
The extradition brings a significant step toward resolution for a case that has remained open for nearly two decades.