Manhattan's District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg has announced the indictment of 24-year-old Tylek McPherson, following an unprovoked and violent incident that occurred on October 1, 2024. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, McPherson is facing multiple charges including two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree and one count each of Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree for slashing a 68-year-old man with a butcher's knife near Astor Place.
Recounting the terrifying event, "We remain focused on preventing and addressing stranger assaults like this one that allegedly occurred on Astor Place," D.A. Bragg stated. Offering more than just prosecution, he emphasized the availability of resources and trained counselors to support victims and their loved ones through the traumatic aftermath of violence. Operating with a butcher's knife near Astor Place and East 8th Street around 2:40 a.m., McPherson is alleged approaching the elderly victim, leaving him with injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Following the incident, police, having received multiple 911 calls about an individual wielding a weapon, spotted McPherson who matched the suspect's description. NYPD Officers Brian Vasquez and Diego Valdovinos of the 9th Precinct, alongside Officer Matthew Easo of the 13th Precinct, were eventually led into the Union Square subway station, where the arrest occurred. The victim, having been found bleeding heavily at 20th Street and 5th Avenue, collapsed and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for stitches.
In prosecution of the case, Assistant D.A. Christine DiDomenico is leading the charge, backed by 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). Expressing gratitude towards the officers who responded swiftly to the scene, D.A. Bragg acknowledged the efforts that led to McPherson's capture.
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