Three men face charges following a shocking machete attack in Times Square that left a 32-year-old man injured. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight yesterday at the busy intersection of Broadway and 45th Street, has brought attention to escalating tensions among street corner CD sellers.
The suspects, 23-year-old Philip Robertson, 25-year-old Aaron Hamilton, and 46-year-old Robert Price, have been charged with reckless endangerment and obstruction. Additionally, Robertson faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon. According to the New York Police Department, the trio fled the scene immediately after the attack but were apprehended by officers a short distance away.
The attack unfolded around 1 p.m. outside a McDonald’s on West 45th Street. Witnesses reported seeing the three men wielding a machete, which they used to slash the victim in both legs. The victim was quickly transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he is being treated in stable condition.
Initial investigations suggest that the attack was triggered by a dispute over territory among street vendors selling CDs. This turf war appears to have escalated into violence, culminating in the brazen machete assault in one of New York City’s busiest tourist areas.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and the regulation of street vendors in Times Square. Local business owners and visitors have expressed their alarm over such a violent confrontation occurring in a highly trafficked area. Law enforcement authorities are now looking into measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent events in Times Square, prompting calls for increased police presence and stricter enforcement of laws governing street vendors. The NYPD is urging witnesses to come forward with any additional information that could assist in their ongoing investigation.
As the suspects await their court appearances, the city grapples with the broader implications of the attack and the underlying issues contributing to such violent disputes among street vendors.
