An alarming incident unfolded near a New York City subway station as a 30-year-old man, Shaquan Cummings, reportedly armed with a box cutter, carried out a violent attack. The NYPD swiftly responded to the situation, arresting Cummings on charges of assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
The distressing event occurred just outside the 116th Street 6 subway station around 2:18 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. Cummings is accused of first punching a 43-year-old woman before turning his aggression towards an 11-year-old girl who was walking with her mother.
The girl sustained a severe injury to the back of her head and ear from the box cutter attack, leading to her immediate hospitalization at NYC Health and Hospital/Harlem. Her mother described the incident as traumatizing, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her daughter, who required surgery and multiple stitches to address the wound.
Despite the physical injuries, the young victim is in stable condition, but her mother expressed concerns about her daughter's emotional well-being, noting her reluctance to return to school or venture outside following the traumatic experience.
Following the assault, Cummings attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement officers a block away from the subway station. Video footage captured the chaotic aftermath, with an enraged crowd confronting the suspect as police intervened to prevent any further escalation.
It was revealed that Cummings has a history of criminal behavior, with over 20 prior arrests, including a recent assault charge for which he received a desk appearance two months prior to this incident. The victim's mother emphasized the need for justice, expressing her shock and dismay at the unprovoked attack on her daughter.
The community's response to the incident underscores the importance of ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, particularly when innocent individuals, such as a young child, become victims of senseless violence.
