A 57-year-old woman in New York City, Dulce Pichardo, was randomly attacked last week while walking home from work, leaving her with a broken jaw and missing teeth. She was sucker-punched in broad daylight on Grand Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Prospect Heights, with the single strike causing significant damage including permanent nerve damage. Despite her wired-shut mouth, Pichardo decided to share her story to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
After the attack, Pichardo ran to her family’s restaurant and told her brother, Fausto, who then chased after the suspect, 33-year-old Franz Jeudy. Jeudy denied hitting Pichardo, but police arrived at the scene after a 911 call and arrested him. Jeudy was charged with assault and harassment, but he pleaded not guilty and was released without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court in May to address the charges against him, as Pichardo continues to recover from her injuries.
The assault on Pichardo is part of a troubling trend in New York City, where multiple young women have been targeted in similar attacks in recent weeks. Some victims have shared their harrowing experiences on social media platforms like TikTok, drawing attention to the issue and calling for justice. One suspect, 40-year-old Skiboky Stora, was arrested and charged with assault in connection to an incident involving a 25-year-old woman who was struck in the head and injured on March 25.
The attacks on women in New York City have sparked concern and fear among residents, particularly women who now feel vulnerable while going about their daily lives. The alarming increase in violence against women has prompted calls for stronger measures to ensure the safety of all individuals in the city. Authorities are working to address the issue and hold perpetrators accountable, but the community remains on edge as they navigate the heightened risks of walking alone in public areas.
Despite the traumatic experience and physical injuries she sustained, Pichardo remains determined to share her story and advocate for change. By speaking out and shedding light on the prevalence of such attacks, she hopes to prevent others from falling victim to similar incidents. As she continues to heal and seek justice, Pichardo serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage that are necessary to combat violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the community. Through collective efforts and support, communities can work together to create safer environments for everyone.