Bronx assailant launches unprovoked attacks on two strangers in rapid succession, says NYPD

An unstable assailant attempted to remove a man’s eyes in the first of two violent unprovoked attacks on a Bronx street, according to police. The suspect, who was dressed in all black, targeted his victims as he walked down University Ave. in University Heights on Friday night. The two attacks occurred about a half-block from each other.

The first incident happened around 8:10 p.m. when the suspect approached a 49-year-old man from behind, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then sat on the man’s chest and began pressing his thumbs into the victim’s eyes. After a short struggle, the suspect fled down the street and moments later attacked a 52-year-old woman, slashing her in the forehead with a blade. The suspect was last seen running north on University Ave. toward Fordham Road. The victims were taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, and no arrests have been made.

The assaults are part of a 12% increase in assaults in the north Bronx this year, according to police. The 52nd Precinct, which covers University Heights, Kingsbridge, Fordham, and Norwood, has seen a 13% increase in felony crime this year. Police released surveillance images of the suspect, describing him as white or Hispanic with a thin build, black hair, and a black mustache. At the time of the attacks, he was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and black and grey socks. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.