Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. has announced the indictment of a man accused of a vicious attack on an elderly woman in Chinatown. The suspect, identified as Juan Hernandez, 38, faces serious charges for the attempted rape and assault of an 80-year-old woman, as stated in a New York State Supreme Court indictment. Hernandez is charged with one count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, among others.
The incident took place in the early hours of November 9, near the intersection of Grand Street and Chrystie Street. DA Bragg described the attack as brutal and unprovoked, urging anyone with information on sexual assault to contact the Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Hernandez allegedly accosted the woman, forcibly touching her before she attempted to flee. The altercation escalated when Hernandez attacked her from behind, groped her, and tried to remove her pants.
Bystanders intervened during the assault, pulling Hernandez off the victim and restraining him until the police arrived. The woman reportedly suffered injuries during the attack, including bent fingers and a scratched wrist, as Hernandez tried to overpower her resistance. Assistant D.A. Abel McDonnell, of Trial Bureau 30, is prosecuting this case under the guidance of Assistant D.A. Bethany Spiro and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney. The indictment sends a clear message that such acts of violence towards the most vulnerable members of the community will be met with the full force of the law.
The prosecution is being supported by the New York Police Department, with specific thanks extended to Detective Steven Clarke of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad and Officer Christop Vedutis of the 5th Precinct for their roles in the swift response and investigation.
