A disturbing surge in violent crimes has hit New York City's Chinatown neighborhood, with an elderly woman being assaulted in a brutal attempt to rape her.
A 38-year-old man, Juan Hernandez, was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including attempted rape and assault on a 65-year-old victim. The victim, a 80-year-old Asian woman, was walking in the street when Hernandez pushed her to the ground, tried to remove her pants, and attempted to sexually assault her.
The victim fought back, suffering a cut on her arm and a sprained finger. A good Samaritan intervened and called the police, who arrived and arrested Hernandez. The suspect was found to be intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Hernandez has a history of clashes with police, and a detective told the press that he has been seen wandering the streets of Chinatown and other areas of the neighborhood.
The victim's home is located on Chrystie Street, where the incident took place. She refused medical attention after the assault.
Hernandez has been charged with multiple counts of attempted rape, assault on a 65-year-old victim, and other charges. The judge set a $80,000 bails and ordered him to appear in court.
According to reports, Hernandez is a non-U.S. citizen who entered the country under unknown circumstances. He was living in upstate New York, where he ran a Chinese restaurant and a Subway sandwich shop.
The surge in violent crimes in Chinatown has left residents feeling concerned. Community advocate Christine Quinn, a District Leader in Chinatown, is urging seniors to avoid walking alone in the neighborhood during daylight hours. She also wants to increase security presence in the area.
Chinatown has long struggled with issues of trash dumping, vagrancy, and drug trafficking. Residents have expressed concerns about the lack of safety in the neighborhood and the abundance of vagrancy and vagrants.