Shaquan Cummings, a 30-year-old lunatic armed with a box cutter, attacked an 11-year-old girl near a New York City subway station, slashing her in the head in a violent spree. He was arrested by the NYPD and charged with assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon. The attack occurred just outside the 116th Street 6 subway station, where Cummings allegedly punched a 43-year-old woman before turning his aggression towards the young girl who was walking with her mother. The girl’s mother, Gorzata Sladek, described the attack as traumatizing and stated that her daughter required surgery and multiple stitches for the gash on her head.
The young victim was taken to NYC Health and Hospital/Harlem in stable condition after the attack. Sladek mentioned that her daughter is not doing well emotionally and is hesitant to go back to school or go outside. Video footage captured the 11-year-old victim on a stretcher being loaded into an EMS vehicle, her clothes stained with blood. Cummings fled the scene following the assault but was apprehended by the police about a block away near where he had punched the older woman prior to attacking the girl. The 43-year-old victim refused medical treatment and the suspect was later identified as the assailant.
An angry crowd of witnesses surrounded the suspect as the police arrested him, with one man appearing to poke him with a cane. The officers worked to keep the crowd from delivering vigilante justice, as the suspect, with a lengthy rap sheet of more than 20 prior arrests, was taken into custody. Cummings had been arrested two months prior for an assault charge and given a desk appearance. Sladek expressed her desire for justice for her daughter, stating that people should be able to walk on the street without fear of being attacked, especially children.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing anger and frustration at the violence that occurred. The video showed the chaos and tension as the suspect was surrounded by angry onlookers and police trying to maintain control of the situation. The girl’s mother emphasized the need for safety and security on the streets, especially for children who should be able to walk without fear of being attacked. The suspect’s criminal history added to the concern over the safety of individuals in the community.
The arrest of Cummings brought some relief to the community but also raised questions about how such a violent individual with a history of arrests could have been allowed to roam free. The incident highlighted the need for better measures to ensure the safety of individuals, especially children, in public spaces. Sladek’s plea for justice for her daughter resonated with many who shared her concerns about the security of their own families and the need for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The attack on the 11-year-old girl served as a wake-up call for the community, prompting calls for action and accountability to address the issue of violence in public spaces.
