D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment for Two Port Authority Slashings Committed Hours Apart


January 30, 2023

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of LUIS ROSAS, 40, for slashing two victims in the face in separate incidents earlier this month. ROSAS is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with four counts of Assault in the First Degree.[1]

“These attacks took place near one of our city’s busiest transit hubs that millions of New Yorkers and our neighbors rely on every day,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New Yorkers deserve to walk our streets and travel through Manhattan without fear of being attacked. My thoughts are with the victims as they continue to heal.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on the evening of January 2, 2023, the defendant approached the first victim, a 41-year-old-man, while he was standing in front of Chipotle on 8th Avenue, near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. ROSAS asked for a cigarette and after the victim declined to provide one, ROSAS slashed him across the face with a sharp object. The defendant, who was wearing a distinctive yellow shirt, fled. The victim walked into the bus terminal, where first responders rendered aid.

Early the next morning, mere hours after the first attack, ROSAS followed the second victim, a 48-year-old man, down the steps into the subway station at 40th Street and 8th Avenue and slashed the victim across the ear and neck.

ROSAS fled and the victim immediately reported the incident to the subway booth clerk in the station.   

Later the same morning, ROSAS was stopped and arrested by an officer inside Port Authority while wearing the same yellow shirt. When he was arrested, ROSAS allegedly stated to officers, in substance, “So what, I just slashed a few people.”

The investigation into a third incident that occurred on January 3, 2023, is ongoing.

Assistant D.A. Sarah Marquez is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of David Hammer (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Trial Preparation Assistant Rachel Rose and Lucy Kaufman and Analysts Sasha Hodson and Sophie Haiman are assisting with the prosecution.

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department, particularly Detective Frank Danoy (Manhattan Robbery Squad), Detective Keith Kealy (Midtown South Detective Squad), and Sergeant Daniel Burke (Manhattan Night Watch). D.A. Bragg also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, particularly Detective Andrew Pepe.

Defendant Information:
LUIS ROSAS
New York, New York

 Charged:

  • Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, four counts

[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.

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