A Bronx mother is demanding answers after her 14-year-old son was slashed with a machete and robbed outside a Grand Concourse building last week, leaving the teen badly hurt and the family reeling. The assault happened around 10:24 p.m. on June 24 outside 2664 Grand Concourse, according to police. The episode has upended the family's daily life and finances as the boy recovers, and his mother says she has paused her medical-school studies to care for him full time.
What police say
According to the NYPD, the teen was approached by a group of unidentified males. Investigators say one suspect grabbed and pinned the boy while another slashed his arms with a machete and stole his cellphone, leaving him severely injured, as reported in coverage of the machete attack and robbery. The department is asking the public for help identifying five individuals believed to be connected to the assault.
Mother's account
Yadiry Perez told reporters that her son, identified as Ashton Perez, is still recovering and that she watched him "bleeding to death" after the attack, according to the same report. She said the ordeal has taken an emotional and financial toll and that she has received threatening messages online since the assault. Perez said she fears for her family's safety and wants anyone with information to come forward.
How to help
The NYPD has asked anyone with information about the attack to contact police. Tipsters can call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online, per local reporting and NYPD guidance. CBS New York notes those are the usual channels for sharing information with investigators.
Investigation status
Police say the investigation remains active and no arrests have been announced. The family says they hope public tips will help bring those responsible to justice and provide some answers about what happened that night.
