A 58-year-old man was slashed in broad daylight near Thomas Greene Playground in Gowanus on Monday afternoon, police said. Officers responded to 3rd Avenue and Douglass Street just before 2:45 p.m. and found the man with cuts to the right side of his face and his lower back. Paramedics took him to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where officials say he is expected to recover. The assailant ran off on foot and was last seen wearing dark-colored clothing.
What police say
Investigators told reporters the slashing followed an argument near the playground and that the wounds were caused by a cutting instrument. Police are canvassing the area for video and witnesses as they search for the suspect, as reported by News 12 New York.
Neighborhood context
The attack comes amid renewed safety concerns in Gowanus after other recent violent incidents. A May stabbing inside a supportive-housing building on Sackett Street left a 32-year-old man wounded and prompted neighbors to call for stronger services and oversight, reporting that violence had become a recurring worry on the block.
Playground, pool and summer crowds
Thomas Greene Playground occupies the full city block bounded by Douglass, DeGraw, Nevins and 3rd Avenue and includes the Douglass and DeGraw Pool, a seasonal public pool that draws families when open. According to NYC Parks, the park sees more foot traffic in the summer months when the pool is active.
Police and how to help
Detectives assigned to the 78th Precinct are investigating the case and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, and the NYPD's contact guidance and the 78th Precinct's page have local tip details at NYPD and 78th Precinct.
Hoodline will update this post if officials release additional details or if an arrest is announced. If you witnessed the incident or have video, contact the NYPD to help investigators.
