A 36-year-old Pennsylvania woman was senselessly stabbed near Times Square by a homeless repeat offender named Cyril Destin. Destin, 62, was charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon following the incident that took place on West 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue. Shocking video footage captured Destin using a walker to exit a deli before lunging at the victim with a large knife, in front of her teen daughter and another woman. The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she received treatment for a stab wound to the chest.
Destin, who lives in a shelter across from the deli, has a history of arrests dating back 20 years. His arrests include charges for menacing, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal trespass, and theft of service. Destin is also known for his erratic and sometimes destructive behavior as an “emotionally disturbed person” at the homeless shelter where he stayed. In December 2021, he threw a chair through a window, and in April 2022, he verbally threatened staff and responding police officers, leading to his forced treatment at Bellevue.
Following the incident on Saturday, Destin was seen calmly returning to his seat outside the deli with the knife on display on his lap. Two police officers approached him, got him to drop the knife, and placed him in handcuffs. Destin’s arraignment in connection to the attack was pending, and he has a history of 14 arrests in the past 20 years. Law enforcement sources also mentioned his most recent arrest in July 2022 for criminal mischief, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior and mental health challenges.
Authorities have had to intervene in past incidents involving Destin due to his behavior at the homeless shelter, including a situation in December 2019 when he reported having hallucinations and was taken to Bellevue for treatment. His extensive rap sheet also includes various charges related to criminal activities. The incident on Saturday involving the attack on the tourist highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals like Destin who struggle with mental health issues and homelessness, emphasizing the need for better resources and support services to address these complex issues.
The unprovoked attack on the tourist near Times Square has sparked concern and outrage, with the video footage capturing the chilling moment when Destin lunged at the victim with a knife. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in public spaces and the potential risks associated with untreated mental health issues. Destin’s repeated encounters with law enforcement and mental health services underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As Destin’s arraignment in connection to the attack was pending, the case has drawn attention to the broader issues of homelessness, mental health, and public safety in urban areas like Times Square. The incident involving the stabbing of a tourist highlights the complexities of addressing the underlying causes of such violent acts and the importance of a coordinated response involving law enforcement, mental health professionals, and social service providers. By understanding these factors and working collaboratively to support individuals like Destin, communities can strive to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors in public spaces.
