A routine stop for a slice turned into a nightmare for a 16-year-old girl in Flatlands on Tuesday evening, when a stranger suddenly drop-kicked her inside a neighborhood chicken-and-pizza shop, her mother says.
The assault happened around 6 p.m., according to the family. A short video they reviewed and shared with investigators shows the teen standing in line when a man moves in and delivers a flying kick that knocks her to the floor. She suffered minor arm and back injuries but is now badly shaken, her family says.
Speaking with News 12 Brooklyn, the victim’s mother, Toshane Thompson, said her daughter had just wrapped up track-and-field practice and ran across the street to grab a slice when she noticed the man staring at her. Without any words exchanged, he allegedly struck. Thompson said her daughter "did not say anything" before the attack and that a friend who snapped a photo of the suspect told her the man was smiling afterward. Police are now searching for the man seen in the footage, according to the report.
Video Shows Sudden, Unprovoked Strike
The footage provided to local reporters captures the man stepping into the counter area, then unleashing the drop-kick that sends the teen crashing to the floor. People nearby appear to react immediately in the video. The family says that while the girl’s physical injuries are minor, the emotional impact has been far more serious and she remains traumatized.
Where It Happened
The attack took place inside a Crown Fried Chicken & Pizza on Glenwood Road. The chain lists a Glenwood Road location in Flatlands. According to the New York City Department of Education, the South Shore educational campus at 6565 Flatlands Ave is nearby and serves as a hub for after-school sports and programs. News 12 Brooklyn reports that students often stop at storefronts along Glenwood after practice, turning the strip into a regular after-school hangout.
Police Response
The NYPD is investigating. Thompson is urging neighbors and anyone who was in the area to check their phones for any photos or video that might show the suspect. Family members say they have already turned over the video to police and hope someone in the community recognizes the man and contacts investigators.
What To Know
The teen’s injuries have been described as minor, but her family stresses that the emotional toll is significant and say the incident is a stark reminder to stay alert around after-school hours. Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities.
