An 85-year-old man was hospitalized after being punched in the head in an unprovoked attack while walking in Hell’s Kitchen. The incident occurred just after 5 p.m. on Friday on 400 W. 43rd Street near Ninth Avenue. “Actually seeing him on the floor with all the blood around him – it was heartbreaking. You know, I have a granddad,” said Juan Rivera, a nearby resident who witnessed the aftermath.
The attack happened close to David Kholikov’s fruit stand, where police gathered after the incident. Kholikov, a long-time vendor in the area, expressed his dismay at the increasing violence.
“You know what else is shocking to me? Like a couple of weeks ago, someone was throwing rocks right here,” Kholikov said. He recounted how rocks were thrown from the balcony of a nearby building, hitting one of his customers in the neck.
“I want to have a normal day. I’m a hardworking person – I’ve been working here for more than 10 years, and I just want to do the job and take care of the customers,” Kholikov added, highlighting the challenges he faces due to the rising disturbances.
Shortly after the attack on the elderly man, the same street corner was crowded with people, unaware that it could have easily been any of them who were attacked. “Most of the time, my husband is at work, so I’m by myself with the baby and the dog. So, I carry a mace,” said Pam Gala, a Manhattan resident, emphasizing the need for personal safety measures.
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Many locals believe that increased police foot patrols and a closer examination of the area’s security could help mitigate such incidents. The unprovoked nature of the attack has left the community on edge, fearing for their safety in what should be a safe neighborhood. The 85-year-old victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made, leaving the community anxious and demanding more proactive measures to ensure their safety.
