Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of RAQUAN EL, 37, for allegedly hitting a 35-year-old pregnant woman with a pipe in Chelsea in May 2025. EL is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. [1]

“Raquan El allegedly attacked a vulnerable New Yorker—an unsuspecting pregnant woman who was a complete stranger to him—in a brutal act of violence with a weapon,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will not tolerate New Yorkers being assaulted. I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”    

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on May 6, 2025, at approximately 4:03 p.m., the victim was walking near West 18th Street and 6th Avenue. As alleged, EL, unprovoked, walked up to the victim and hit her on the head with a metal pipe, causing her to fall to the ground.   

The victim and multiple eyewitnesses called 911. Officers arrived minutes later and found EL walking down the street approximately two blocks from the scene and carrying a metal pipe.   

The victim was transported to the hospital where she received treatment for her injuries, including swelling to the back of her head and substantial pain to her head, neck, and shoulders for several days.  

Assistant D.A. Allie Watson 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). Trial Preparation Assistant Phillip Marks (Trial Bureau 50) is also providing invaluable assistance in this case.  

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officer Shane Acosta and the other officers of the 13th Precinct.        

 

Defendant Information:

RAQUAN EL

Brooklyn, NY

Charged:

• Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in 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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[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.