NEW YORK — Authorities are searching for another man who randomly punched a woman in the face in Manhattan, this time in Union Square, while searching for others in a series of similar unprovoked attacks in recent weeks.
This case, which was reported by police on Thursday but occurred on March 20, marks at least the sixth such attack since that date. Earlier this week, the NYPD reported that another unprovoked punch had occurred in Chelsea that same day. The NYPD does not consider the series of attacks to be a trend and will not say whether any of the March 20 beatings are related to the other incidents.
Telemundo 47 has tracked at least six of them since March 20, including the recently reported one.
In that case, a 33-year-old woman was walking through Union Square East around 4:30 p.m. when a stranger approached her from behind and punched her in the face. She then fled north on Park Avenue. The woman refused medical attention for minor injuries at the scene.
That same morning, a 23-year-old woman was punched in the face in Chelsea. She was taken to a hospital for treatment for a nose injury.
The other stories have been similar: all women, mostly in their twenties, attacked in broad daylight by a man who punched them in the face. The NYPD says it has so far arrested three people in various cases.
As there are still others out there and the attacks continue, the municipality is on edge.
“It’s very difficult to live in New York City right now,” Reina Rodríguez said in Chelsea. “Personally, I’m afraid of being on the street.”
The violence is part of a 10% increase in misdemeanor assaults in the city year over year, according to NYPD statistics.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
2024-04-06 03:39:32
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