Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of OVE WILLIAMS, 36, for slashing a 32-year-old man with a machete in Times Square in May 2024. WILLIAMS is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Assault in the First Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. [1] 

“As alleged, Ove Williams used a machete to slash a 32-year-old-man who was walking in Midtown. Pedestrians should feel safe when walking through the streets of New York, and my Office holds those accountable who harm others,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I hope the victim continues to recover from these extensive injuries.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on May 30, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., at the intersection of West 45th Street and Seventh Avenue, WILLIAMS allegedly attacked a man with a machete, striking his lower body at least several times. Afterwards, he fled through Midtown. 

The victim was immediately transported to Bellevue Hospital where he underwent several hours of surgery for deep lacerations in both legs. His arteries, nerves and muscles in his left leg and shin were completely severed, and the muscle and tissue of his right leg was also cut. Additionally, he lost part of his left pinkie finger. 

Assistant D.A. Kieran Hall (Trial Bureau 80) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Jesse Matthews (Acting Deputy Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 80), Daniel Makofsky (Deputy Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 80), and Siobhan Carty (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 80) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, specifically Detectives Jay Poggi and Lawrence Russo of the Midtown North Precinct Detective Squad. 

Defendant Information: 

OVE WILLIAMS 

Brooklyn, NY 

Charged: 

• Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.