Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JUAN MERCEDES, 25, for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old man and swinging a knife at the man’s 19-year-old friend in an unprovoked attack at a McDonald’s in Midtown in August 2026. MERCEDES is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. [1]

“New York City welcomes visitors from around the world, and those visitors deserve to feel safe while enjoying our city,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Juan Mercedes attacked two young tourists who were spending time together, senselessly stabbing a teenager in one of Manhattan’s busiest and most visited neighborhoods. I wish the teenager – who continues to suffer from his injuries – a thorough recovery.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, on August 17, 2026, the victim and his two friends, who were all visiting from Australia, were eating at a table inside the McDonald’s at 490 8th Avenue. At approximately 2:00 a.m., MERCEDES allegedly walked up behind the first victim and stabbed him twice in the back, unprovoked.

As the group attempted to run away, MERCEDES chased after the victim’s friend and allegedly attempted to swing the knife at him but missed. MERCEDES exited the restaurant, holding a knife. He was arrested a few minutes later by responding police officers, who order MERCEDES to drop the knife.

The first victim was transported to a hospital and treated for two stab wounds to his torso, requiring stitches, as well as a collapsed lung. He remains significantly injured and has required emergency surgery.

Assistant D.A. Kristen Tierney is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Jessica Lynn (Chief of Trial Bureau 50), and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department (NYPD), particularly Officer Alec Nelson of the Midtown South Precinct.

Defendant Information:

JUAN MERCEDES

Port Charlotte, FL

Charged:

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

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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.