A surveillance photo captured the moment a grandmother was randomly knocked unconscious in a daytime attack in the Bronx. Martha Veloz, 54, had just gotten off a train and was walking in Highbridge when a stranger struck her, causing her to fall to the ground. Veloz was left battered and bruised, with her daughter, Stephanie Padin, revealing that she is still suffering from breakdowns days after the incident. The attacker, described as a male with a dark complexion and heavy build, was wearing a black hat, red hooded sweatshirt, dark t-shirt, dark pants, and white sneakers.
The attack left Veloz terrified to return to the Bronx, with her daughter sharing that she is now scared to go there alone. Veloz had just come from a doctor’s appointment in Brooklyn and was on her way to visit her daughter’s father when she was assaulted. A few people tried to help her up after seeing her bleeding on the ground, and Veloz was eventually taken to Lincoln Medical Center where she received stitches on her lips for her injuries. She was left with a swollen and bruised head and neck as a result of the attack.
Veloz’s daughter, Padin, shared that her mother is now suffering from PTSD and is experiencing breakdowns following the attack. She no longer feels safe going out alone and is fearful of returning to the Bronx. Padin expressed frustration over the string of attacks on women in Lower Manhattan and called for the authorities to take action to catch those responsible for these crimes. The attacker, who is still at large, is being sought by law enforcement.
Padin expressed her anger over the senseless attack on her mother, highlighting the vulnerability of women in these situations. She emphasized the importance of identifying and apprehending the suspect to prevent further attacks on innocent women. Veloz’s daughter called for the authorities to take mental health issues into consideration and ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable. The family is anxiously awaiting the apprehension of the suspect and hopes that justice will be served for Veloz.
The incident has left Veloz physically and emotionally traumatized, with her daughter providing support as she copes with the aftermath of the attack. Veloz’s daughter mentioned that her mother is constantly questioning why this happened to her, expressing disbelief that she was targeted in such a violent manner. The family is determined to see justice served for Veloz and to ensure that the attacker is taken off the streets to prevent further harm to others. Despite the fear and trauma caused by the attack, the family remains hopeful that the perpetrator will be captured and held accountable for his actions.
