A homeless man named Steven Johnson was accused of randomly slashing a 30-year-old man in the neck near the Astor Place Cube in the East Village. Prior to this incident, Johnson also attacked a deli worker with a chain just a day before the assault. He was ordered to be held without bail on charges of attempted murder and assault by Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Rachel Pauley due to these unprovoked attacks.
In court, Johnson was described as chatty and friendly, saying “Good afternoon, your honor. How you doing? Many blessings, many blessings,” before being cut off by his attorney. Prosecutors revealed that just 24 hours before the Astor Place attack, Johnson had smashed a deli worker in the head with a chain after being asked to leave the store for blocking the entrance. The worker was left bloodied and required five stitches to the head in the June 5 attack.
The rampage continued the next day when Johnson slashed a stranger with a sharp object in Lafayette Square and Cooper Avenue. The victim suffered lacerations to his neck and shoulder, including a 21 centimeter long wound from his neck to his ear that required a three-hour surgery at Bellevue Hospital. Johnson was arrested in the East Village on June 8 and identified by his clothing in surveillance images worn during the attacks.
Prosecutors requested a $250,000 bail for Johnson based on his criminal history, including three prior arrests, a misdemeanor conviction for assault, and one failure to appear in court. Johnson’s attorney, Russ Novack, stated that his client does not have the means to make bail as he is homeless and unemployed. Novack requested that Johnson undergo a mental health evaluation due to his behavior.
In addition to the attempted murder and assault charges, Johnson was also charged with theft of services for using the emergency gate at a subway stop. If convicted on the top charge of murder in the second degree, he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 14, where he will face the consequences of his actions and potentially undergo a mental health evaluation based on his attorney’s request.
