Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of TYLEK MCPHERSON, 24, for randomly slashing a stranger with a butcher’s knife at Astor Place. MCPHERSON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. [1]

“We remain focused on preventing and addressing stranger assaults like this one that allegedly occurred on Astor Place,” said District Attorney Bragg. “In addition to prosecuting these cases, I want the public to know we have resources to support victims and their loved ones. Being the victim of violence is an incredibly traumatic experience, in addition to the physical harm that can occur, and our trained counselors are here to help.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on October 1, 2024, at approximately 2:40 a.m., MCPHERSON approached the 68-year-old male victim with a butcher’s knife near Astor Place and East 8^th Street. 

MCPHERSON slashed the victim in the face and hand and fled the scene. The police responded to the area after multiple 911 calls about an individual with a weapon. They eventually saw MCPHERSON, who matched the description provided on the 911 calls. They followed him into the Union Square subway station, where he was arrested.

The victim was found by police bleeding heavily at 20^th Street and 5^th Avenue, where he had collapsed. He was transported to the hospital, where he required stitches. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Christine DiDomenico, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Annie Siegel and Harrison Schweiloch (Deputy Chiefs of Trial Bureau 60), Charles Whitt (Chief of Trial Bureau 60) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked NYPD Officers Brian Vasquez and Diego Valdovinos from the 9^th Precinct and Officer Matthew Easo from the 13^th Precinct.

Defendant Information:
TYLEK MCPHERSON

Charged:

• Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, two counts
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count

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