Daquan Armstead, a 31-year-old man from East Bronx, was arrested in New York City after being accused of assaulting seven women in a series of nonsexual attacks in Lower Manhattan. The police allege that Armstead targeted these women in hate-motivated assaults from late March to mid-April. When questioned about the allegations, Armstead claimed that the victims had spat on him, but the police refuted this statement and accused him of punching the women, sometimes in the face, head, or back. It is unclear whether Armstead has retained legal counsel at this time.
Armstead has been arrested on suspicion of multiple charges including hate crime/assault, attempted hate crime, and aggravated harassment, according to the NYPD. This arrest comes in the midst of a concerning trend of unprovoked assaults in Manhattan, with 50 out of the 95 reported attacks this year involving female victims. While some previous attacks gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, the allegations against Armstead do not appear to be connected to these cases. The police have released a timeline of the alleged attacks that occurred between March and April in Lower Manhattan.
The reported incidents include a 30-year-old woman being struck on the face in the Lower East Side, a 36-year-old woman being struck on the back, and a 38-year-old woman being hit on the back of her head in Greenwich Village. Several other women, aged 25, 44, and 24, were also reportedly assaulted in similar ways in different locations throughout Lower Manhattan. Despite the nature of these attacks, none of the victims sought medical attention following the assaults. The final reported incident involved a 27-year-old woman being struck on the head in Lower Manhattan, further adding to the pattern of violence in the area.
The arrest of Daquan Armstead is a significant development in the investigation of these hate-motivated assaults, and it sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the city. These random attacks on women in Manhattan have created fear and concern among residents, and the police have been working diligently to apprehend those responsible for these crimes. The release of the timeline of attacks by the NYPD sheds light on the pattern of violence targeting women in Lower Manhattan, and it underscores the importance of addressing these incidents promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of all residents in the city.
In light of the recent arrest and ongoing investigation, it is essential for the community to come together to support the victims of these attacks and take a stand against hate-motivated violence in all its forms. By raising awareness, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting inclusivity and equality, we can work towards creating a safer and more harmonious environment for all individuals in New York City. The arrest of Daquan Armstead serves as a reminder that hate crimes will face severe consequences, and it encourages everyone to report any suspicious or criminal behavior to the authorities to prevent future incidents and protect the well-being of the community.
