D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In Unprovoked Slashing Of Tourist On The Upper West Side


January 21, 2025

Manhattan District Attorney L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of JOSHUA ZINBERG, 25, for allegedly slashing a tourist on the Upper West Side in an unprovoked attack in November 2024. ZINBERG 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, and Assault in the Second Degree. [1] 

“Joshua Zinberg allegedly slashed an international tourist who was walking on the Upper West Side in an unprovoked and brazen daylight attack. When tourists visit New York, they should not have to fear for their safety,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will continue to prosecute those who commit random acts of violence on the streets of Manhattan. I hope the victim continues to heal from this horrifying assault.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, at approximately 10:22 a.m. on November 20, 2024, ZINBERG left his parked car and ran across Columbus Avenue in pursuit of a 55-year-old man who was walking along West 86th Street. 

ZINBERG ran down the sidewalk with a knife in his hand towards the man who had his back to him. 

ZINBERG attacked the man from behind, slashing the side of his face, through his ear and into his neck. When the victim turned around, ZINBERG was already running back to his car. 

ZINBERG drove away from the scene. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where he received medical treatment for his severed ear and a deep laceration in his neck. 

The next day, ZINBERG was apprehended while he was driving his car on the Upper West Side. He was wearing the same shorts and shoes that he wore during the slashing and possessed a knife. 

Assistant D.A.s Jonathan Horn (Trial Bureau 80) and Alexander Oltarsh (Trial Bureau 80) are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Siobhan Carty (Chief of Trial Bureau 80) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officer Christopher Mcgrath of the 20th Precinct Detective Squad. 

 

Defendant Information:

JOSHUA ZINBERG 

New York, NY 

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 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are 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.