East Harlem, Manhattan (WABC) — A McDonald’s employee was stabbed multiple times while defending other employees from an unruly customer in East Harlem.
The suspect began harassing and arguing with employees inside the restaurant on 3rd Avenue and East 117th Street around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.
It is believed he struggled to order food from a stall and went to the counter to speak to a manager when they started arguing.
The 31-year-old victim, who works in the kitchen, came out with a broomstick or cane in his hand to defend the cane and was stabbed multiple times, including three times in the back, once in the arm and two times to the left. Temple with square cut.
He was taken to hospital in critical condition but is believed to be in stable condition.
Suspect fled west to 117 East Street. He was described as a 5’11 or 6’0 man, wearing a black and green jacket.
This is the second time this year that a fast-food employee has been attacked. In January, a Burger King employee Crystal Byron Nevis was shot Just around the corner.
“It’s a real risk here in terms of staying open late at night and it’s a huge problem and these businesses are going to have to balance that with their employees,” said Robert Boyce, a former NYPD chief of detectives. “Five people were working there when it happened. »
McDonald’s owner/operator Bruce Coley released the following statement:
“We are shocked and appalled by this senseless and wanton attack on one of our employees. The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We will continue to cooperate with the NYPD and support our colleague and friend during their recovery. »
Locals said more should be done to protect employees.
“They need to provide more protection to all these workers because they are risking their lives,” said Elizabeth Rodriguez. “Make money, get rich, so the least you can do is get them to safety. »
Tania Hernandez works at a food truck on 116th Street and says closing early will make her feel safer.
“I think we should open a little earlier and close a little earlier,” Hernandez said. You will see crazy things here. »
Read also | Police: Bronx couple kill roommate after filing noise complaint
Overall crime is up 61% in the neighborhood so far this year, due to an increase in assaults and major robberies.
Thefts increased by 87% and burglaries by 150%. But many residents say they rely on takeout and fast food overnight, especially those who work after hours or at multiple jobs.
“I hope they don’t close sooner because some of these restaurants, for example, are places where everyone goes,” said owner Martin, an East Harlem resident. “If we had a police presence here, I think crime would go down more and more. »
But early closings are already underway at the 116th Street subway station.
“Working at night makes me really nervous. If we close a bit earlier, there are more people on the street, so we feel safer,” said Subway writer Renzi Dorje.
———
* Get news from eyewitnesses
* More Manhattan news
* Send us news
* Download the abc7NY news alerts app
* Follow us on YouTube
Send a tip
–
Copyright © 2022 WABC-TV. All rights reserved.
