What started as a routine card payment at a Crown Heights nail salon spiraled into chaos Wednesday night, leaving two employees slashed and a 23-year-old customer in handcuffs, according to News 12 Brooklyn.
The trouble broke out just before 8:40 p.m. at Sunny Nail & Salon, 758A Nostrand Ave., after a customer’s payment card was reportedly declined. Police told the outlet that a 50-year-old worker was slashed in the shoulder, while a 53-year-old colleague was cut on her face, arm, and chest. Both women were taken to Kings County Hospital and are expected to survive. Investigators have not said what type of weapon was used.
The suspect, identified by police as 23-year-old Laila Melendez of Manhattan, was arrested at the scene. She faces charges that include assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities have not released any additional details about what was said or done in the moments leading up to the attack, other than that it allegedly started with a card that did not go through.
Charges and legal context
Under New York law, assault and weapons offenses cover a wide spectrum, from misdemeanors to violent felonies, depending on the severity of injuries and the circumstances. As outlined by NY Courts, criminal possession of a weapon is broken down into degrees that hinge on the kind of item involved and how it was allegedly used.
Prosecutors will determine the exact charges after reviewing the evidence gathered by detectives. As in any criminal case, Melendez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Scene on Nostrand Avenue
By the next morning, signs of the violence were still visible on Nostrand Avenue. News 12 Brooklyn reported that blood remained on the sidewalk outside Sunny Nail & Salon as neighbors and nearby shop owners tried to piece together what happened.
Both injured employees were transported to Kings County Hospital, whose main campus sits at 451 Clarkson Ave., according to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. The attack drew a swift response from surrounding businesses and residents, and police say their investigation is still underway.
How to help investigators
NYPD investigators say the case remains under active review. Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit a tip online through NYPD Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Residents who want to connect with local officers or follow up on neighborhood safety issues can use the NYPD online tool to locate their precinct and contact information.
